I dont know about damned... (j/k)
Weve had several discussions about the swear filter methologies, and many have given their opinion on the subject.
Using the asterisk shows too much of the actual word. When someone reads f-bomb, they don't read it in their mind as !@#$%, they read f-bomb. Simple.
They know the f is !@#$%, yes. but in sounding the sentance, have no requirement to hear something they dont want to, in their own thoughts.