This is a great link that discusses the pros and cons of encapsulation as it pertains to disasters. It still doesn't clear up all of my questions for and against encapsulation, but it does give you something to think about. We're still encapsulating damaged maps to give them stability for use by researchers, but I'm always willing to hear the other side of the story
http://www.archival.com/newsletters/apnewsvol14no3.pdf