The first and most striking eye-opener for me to read was the notice that fibre composites are by nature inhomogeneous (resin and fibres) and anisotropic (=not as strong in each direction).
Yes, this is part of the benefit in that you can build strength vs. flexibility in particular directions in a solid laminate. America's cup teams use this to great detail. Composite spar manufactures use this function in every mast they build.
