I can't speak for the tape, but your last statement is true for our cat. A few incidents where she wanted to play, and started to scratch the carpet / side of the mattress were quelled with a sharp clap. Some early discipline along with a nice sized scratching post, and she doesn't touch the furniture or carpet.

Abby does tear through the house sometimes like a wild banshee. Her claws let her corner at even the highest speeds (really quite amazing). There hasn't been any significant damage, but you can hear her claws digging in to the carpet when she runs. But even if you had your cat declawed, they'll still have rear claws to run and jump with.

I would suggest trying discipline before defaulting to declawing. If ever she gets outside, without claws she wont be able to defend herself / climb to escape, etc. Like MrFood said, as well, if you ever have a rodent problem, with claws that cat will probably take care of it quick-fast. But I also wouldn't blame you (read: Libby) for having the process done, simply to avoid the potential for furniture damage. I can only speak for our cat, and I imagine there are some horror stories out there of kittens shredding valuable shit merely for their own delicious pleasure.

Tangent: Abby did look ever cute laying in a shredded pool of mulched paper towels. Probably the worst claw incident to date. Not bad imho.