An across the board recommendation to use damascus is just as unfounded as is the across the board condemnation. Damascus barrels are old and have generally led a life of unknowable abuse. Only an expert gunsmith/gunmaker can judge and that MUST be on an individual basis. Valid UK proof is a very good indicator. There is no average or shortcut. The USA industry condemnation centers around old, cheap, and abused damascus barrels. It simply does not consider high quality, well cared for barrels that are in proof. It was started in a time when there was generally insufficient knowledge as to use of modern loads and damascus. The UK had a different situation and consequent experience. Some Americans have drawn on the UK experience. All UK guns, especially older ones, will benefit from a lower pressure and lighter recoil diet.
There is no way to get around the individuality of older guns. Personally, I view old fluid steel barrels with the same skeptcism as I do damascus; they are individuals that require vetting before I shoot them. Vetting in place, I shoot them carefully and respectfully. Only modern guns can be treated statistically.
The fact that the UK proof houses treat damascus and steel equally should tell you that the top of the firearm safety profession believes they can be safe. I can't think of any statistic that would trump that fact.
