Hi Mark, thanks for sharing your candid review of Ceilume's Stratford ceiling tiles. It's important to note that the International Building Code requires that all lights, HVAC grilles, speakers, etc must be supported by the ceiling grid and not the ceiling tiles. With the code requirements in mind, strength is not judged by how much weight a ceiling tile can support, but how resistant a ceiling tile is to damage during handling and installation. And this is where Ceilume's rigid vinyl tiles shine; they're flexible when handled but very hard to break, they don't shed fibers or dust, and are easily cleanable in the event that they get dirty. Old school mineral fiber tiles don't check any of those boxes. Speaking of old ceiling tiles, it sounds like you were placing your old ceiling tiles on top of the Stratford. Ceilume does not recommend placing anything on top of the tiles except Soniguard Drop Ceiling Insulation. We're sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the ceiling tiles and hope that you've found a suitable ceiling product for your project.