Why are there so many wooden box speakers out there?

I would have no way of knowing the " correct shape ". Again it is very dependent on the material used. The idea that giving the rear waves off the back of the drivers random walls to bounce off of is fine only if you expect those waves to bounce around. 

If the materials of the cabinet are designed to take the energy (back waves) and convert that energy to heat, well then that is a different animal.

If the materials of the cabinet are designed to take the energy (back waves) and convert that energy to heat, well then that is a different animal.

There is no material that miraculously converts sound energy into heat. That would be the perfect speaker material but it doesn't exist

If you want research on speakers from the seventies take it, I want research  (on anything) that is recent. Progress marches on, if you like round speakers buy Gallo or Cabasse. If you want research on speakers that actually makes sense try AES, the standards have just been updated on speakers:

There is no material that miraculously converts sound energy into heat

I am pretty sure women can do that

(btw you mean waves?)

There is a saying,

"It is better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

I work in the professional speaker industry. I think the above is the best contribution I can bring to this discussion. Anything else would be a waste of effort.