IMO - this isn't a question of the material, ie. CF vs. steel, but how it's used.

CF allowed for a tremendous weight savings vs other materials, but it seems that once on the weight savings track, bike makers aren't satisfied and the CF frames we see are the result of an effort to build the lightest possible bikes.

CF structures are serving well in other applications, and I strongly suspect that with a small penalty in added weight, plus some greater care in choosing manufacturing partners, CF bike frames can match steel (the standard) for durability, while still being lighter.

The question is whether bike makers can be comfortable marketing stronger more reliable frames that aren't as light as the sketchiest ones out there.