Hi Uncle Jesse,
I am also one who just accepted the use of snowshoe rabbit fur because of its water resistance and buoyancy. I love Fran Bettar's patterns namely the Usual mainly because I catch fish with it. It is difficult (for me) to use because it is so slick to get tied in. Several years ago I made up my mind to tie that particular pattern repeatedly until I mastered control of the material. The flies still look like hell but they do float very well and they do catch fish but I am convinced that Mr. Bettar used the snowshoe rabbit because it was probably readily available to him.