David, I think it's incorrect, and even offensive to nickname laminate planes "throwaway planes".
I spent about 3 years building planes and tossing them, must have trashed over a dozen, I don't know if you remember my posts about it. in any case, the reason for tossing them had little to do with laminations and a lot to do with the fact that I was frestyling it, like you mention, and did not have a good design.
My first jointer was laminated with a tote of Georges design. it was and still is a very nice (not perfect) plane, and I sold it to someone who loves it.
So I understand (correct me if I'm wrong) why you would call them throwaway's, because a first time maker is likely to produce a dud until he has a well balanced plan and has gotten the little subtitles down, so I would not use good wood for that. BUT and good design and high level of build can and will produce fantastic tools, tools for life, not any more disposable than a solid wood plane, Case in point - aren't HNT planes laminated?