MarcNY

I don't have as much of a problem with this. If I can make sure the framing --usually steel for me -- is plumb and square -- usually because I'm doing it --then I love using cement board. And I get fine results.

Frequently some aspect of tile wall will be chosen or changed after the framing, so I may frame a niche after the cement board is up, in similar fashion. I usually do block behind the cement board stud to stud, and vertically; and I laminate cement board to the back of the wallboard--or 1/4" backer if space is tight. And I try to screw the wallboard behind the shower wall to the blocking as well. But I'm not really sure all that's necessary.

I'm pretty sure I've loccasionally picked up Ace branded blades at a hardware store near a job.