How does wood --> inflated rubber imply inflated rubber--> airless rubber? I don't see any logic in that.

You can still use wood if you want.

Many of the reasons you don't are the same reasons airless tires have not escaped niches.

Hmm, not the worst idea. But who makes wood tires for bikes nowadays? And oh God, the splinters :D

We still do use wood for wheels... So...