Are linear tracking arms better than pivoted arms?

I freely admit that I know next to nothing about either engineering or physics, however knowing nothing about a subject has never prevented a lawyer, like my humble self, from asking questions, or seeking precision in expression via words.
My inclination is to evidence not theory. I applaud Darkmoebius approach. Let those with evidence come forward. Theory is mere speculation.

03-11-10: Mepearson
The counter-argument is that people who have long term experience with a cartridge used in an air bearing arm that has shown no visible symptoms of damage may not believe that the theoretical problem exists.

I don't think that accurately summarizes the counter-argument.

I think most(or all) of us agree/accept Dertonarm's excellent description of why linear arms must exert greater lateral force on a cartridge's cantilever and motor assembly. The question for us is:

Does this greater force result in premature wear or excessive damage to most cartridges?

Dertonarm has offered his personal, subjective, experiences as proof that they do. Others, you included, have offered their own personal, subjective, experiences that it doesn't.

At this point, I'd only like to know from cartridge manufacturers or retippers what their observations are since they talk to hundreds of owners and see a lot of worn/damaged carts. I would guess that in a significant number of cases, they speak to or correspond with cart owners as to what type of arm they are using.

Perhaps, over the years, they have had a number of carts returned for service with deflected cantilevers, improperly worn stylus, or damaged motor assemblies and a significant number of those owners used linear arms.

Maybe they have not, and that would be telling in it's own right.

I can assure you that if the Grado tech said they had noticed a large number of repairs for linear owners over the years, I would not use my "The Statement" on my Cartridge Man Conductor arm. I love that cart and it was an expensive purchase, for me.

Even still, if I hear from a number of other manufacturers that linears cause more damage, I will stop using the Conductor.

Correction: Instead of saying

At this point, I'd only like to know from cartridge manufacturers or retippers what their observations are

I meant to say "At this point, the deciding factor for me is the observations of cartridge manufacturers or retippers" with regard to real world wear and tear on carts.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union a Western reporter asked Soviet scientist why Russia had so many theoretical physicists and so few experimental ones.
He replied- pencils are cheap!

Darkmo-I did say that I had a new 103R that had a stylus off-center after using it for a short time in the ET-2. What I don't know is what caused it.