Yeah, maybe they're not so bad after all. I won't throw them away until I find something for new ones. I tried the particle board after I dug out some Boston Acoustic A150s I bought in the early 80's. Never could let those go. Particle board cabinets are still ok, but the bases are crumbling - had them out on a screen porch for a while, and in Florida that's like leaving things out in the rain.
I'd like to try HeatLock to put paper backed veneer on particle board. Anybody have any experience with that?