Joe:

There's a considerably shift towards using engineered hardwood for wider plank flooring today. To the guy at the flooring place it's insurance against what could cause solid hardwoods to react they way he mentioned.

It's all about moisture levels in the home and many don't have it in check. IE: damp basements or crawlspaces. That's the culprit for many floor problems.

2. Depends. Probably about equal to carpet with a cheap engineered floor. Higher quality is likely to offer trendier styles. Not necessarily good in some cases with design trends changing every five years or so and I'm thinking the heavy character stuff is seeing it's sunset.

3. Buy what you like. It's your home.

More on engineered floors

Ken Fisher

When we were remodeling, we were repeatedly told that the wider the plank, the better the advantage of engineered flooring. As the plank widens, dimensional stability and ability to withstand moisture and temperature changes drops.

True , engineered is more stable compared to a solid. the wider and harder the wood species the more sensitive to environment changes. (humidity levels).

Personally if possible to go solid , why not, it will last a lifetime with proper care. I do believe solid wood floors add value to a home.