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.
Having the multi-ply up the sides of a pot is worth it to get heat conducted up the side quickly for more uniform heating. It is probably less important for a shallow skillet that doesn't have much side height anyway. Decent cookware will have 3 plie...
maybe a a bad quality one.. but thanks i know what to look out for if i go buy one