It's not about whether or not damascus is weaker or stronger than any other barrel materials.

It's about the probability of a catastrophic failure of a barrel that could be hazardous. That would include consideration of the margin of safety above the working pressures of the loads used. It would also include the probability of firing an unintended high pressure load exceeding the ultimate strength of the barrel. It would also include the probability of firing with an obstruction in the barrel.

It seems to me the real issue is more about the probability of a obstruction than any other issue.