> In much of Europe both new and old homes are built using brick(!). These homes have already lasted over one hundred years and will likely last at least another fifty or more with normal maintenance (e.g. roof repair, replacing some plumbing, etc).

AIUI, Brick construction is actually less resistant than wood-frame to many kinds of things including -- particularly relevant to California residents -- earthquakes.

Its less resistant to axes, sure, but then that just means that modifications are less expensive -- but its not exactly like hostile attacks by axe against homes are that common.