I have Calphalon and put them in the dishwasher - I guess I never read that I shouldn't! I haven't had any problems though! All my pans are still in great shape.
Silicon bakeware is great...Bit I'm not sure what else? The article in my sources seems to have some good suggestions?
I have no idea. I have cookware from Walmart and it is just fine. I suppose the expensive kind is better quality and will last for generations.