> Am now a somewhat crochety old phart myself, and was surprised to find that 1.5" x 2.5" actual (2"x3" nominal) is considered adequate for some studs. You can

> Am now a somewhat crochety old phart myself, and was surprised to find that 1.5" x 2.5" actual (2"x3" nominal) is considered adequate for some studs. You can frame a wall with 2x3s 16" on center as long as it's not load bearing. That seems pretty reasonable to me, since it doesn't need to do more than hold up the drywall, partition the space, and stand up to people bonking into it.