>So the conclusion seems to be that it doesn't matter much...

If the rumor is true, and I think it's long over-due, then the only difference between subs and folders is that subs are harder to set up and a lot harder to move.

Again if true and both will be treated the same, it's hard to come up with a reason to use subs, other than for branding.

It will be interesting to see if this will affect link juice coming from subs...