An article (20) comprises a deformation-control member which can include an extending medial section (38), and a selected stiffened region (34). The stiffened region (34) can include a first array (40) of individual, stiffening elements (35), and at least a second array (50) of individual, stiffening elements (37). In particular features, each of the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements can have a convergently arranged nose-end (70, 78), and a relatively divergently arranged tail-end (74, 80). In another feature, the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements (35, 37) can be configured to substantially avoid intersecting in the medial section (38) of the deformation-control member. In a further feature, the second array (50) of stiffening elements (37) can have a counter-positioned configuration relative to the first array (40) of stiffening elements (35).