Ага, если ориентироваться на указания Свона-4 (чуть подрехтую форматирование для удобства восприятия):
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255 as and though: special word order
adjective/adverb/noun + as + clause
As and though can be used in a special structure after an adjective or adverb.
In this case they both mean ‘although’, and suggest an emphatic contrast.
(In American English only as is normally used like this; though is unusual.)
Cold as/though it was, we went out. (= Although it was very cold, . . .)
Bravely as/though they fought, they had no chance of winning.
Much as/though I respect your point of view, I can't agree.
Strange as/though it may seem, I don’t like watching cricket.
After a noun, though can be used in this way (but not as).
Scot though she was, she supported the English team.
Occasionally, the structure with as can be used to give a reason.
Tired as she was, I decided not to disturb her. (= Because she was so tired . . .)
In American English, as ... as is common.
As cold as it was, we went out.
Сугубо бритский: Useful though type safety is, ...
Ну, и амерский: As useful as type safety is, ...
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А еще, кроме уступки (хотя, как ни, притом что), Useful as type safety is, ... в определённом контексте могла бы означать и причину (поскольку безопасность полезна, ...).