But what I think I have found, as everything in life, it depends. Depends on design, length, arrow shot, and even the plain grain of wood used.
Yep--you nailed it. I couldn't tell you what wood works better in a given design, but I have talked to several selfbowyers and the ones that know their stuff can tell you.
You might invest in the "Traditional Bowyer's Bible" series (3 books). LOTS of info there. However, even in these you will find some opinion, and folks that disagree with those opinions.
Chad