These Hansgrohe valves have to be suspended by the four ears on the back (tabs on green body) or via the adjustable (black) face plate. The system is great, the entire shower/tub line is covered by two (universal-ish) rough in boxes that have half the shower valve built in (supply and fixture connections, as well as the service stops). You can then chose from their line of trims (which includes the top half of the valve). I'm not connected with them, just think it's a clever system, when installed correctly. I hope the original poster was joking, when they asked if the sweating was "OK".

I would use the self sealing membane they make for window flashing. It is the same stuff they use on roofs, but in a narrow strip. I'm sure they sell it at the big box stores. It works much better than tar paper. The reason the pressure treated wood cannot have direct contact with any metal other than stainless, is they changed the pressure treating method to eliminate the arsenic. The new formula reacts with metal and eats right through it. It has to be galvanized a certain way or stainless. Here is a link that might be useful: Protecto-wrap

I keep revisiting this thread, hoping for a Sign. :) Is it ever acceptable to use a shower pan and create a tile threshold over it, thereby making it higher? As for cleaning the nonskid elements of a shower or tub. I have some wonderful nonskid strips in my otherwise very slippery acrylic tub where I take my showers. Yes, they pick up and hold grime a little too well and you can't just go gangbusters cleaning acrylic. The other day I used some Softscrub and a curved nail brush that fits around a couple of fingers. With very little elbow grease ALL the grime was removed and the shape of the nail brush is very ergonomic.

I'm amazed at the negative cast iron experiences and/or beliefs. Like I said above, despite a huge All Clad collection, I find myself using one 4 qt AC pot and 2 cast iron skillets 99% of the time. I make scrambled eggs 2 to 4 times a week; they never ever stick and I always wipe then quickly wash my cast iron. Eww, I would never not wash, but no rubbing and scrubbing is needed, so the wipe, hot water wash and rinse is quick. They're as non-stick as the Teflon I used to use, actually better, which I would never buy again. I have no idea if it has helped my CI season so well, but against all advice, I only use (organic) extra virgin 1st cold pressed olive oil, even when sauteing.I don't fry or bake. Agree with what fori said above, "if you can't soak it or wash it with dish soap, it ain't seasoned." Since I wash my cast iron, there is never a smell.