You worry too much, add extra noggins if you think you are weakening the timber by drilling a hole, sheet the front with OSB as nick says also gives the benefit of decent fixings for everything you screw to the wall.
im a 18mm plywood fan for this, in kitchens, bathroom, staircases as you are always getting a decent fixing for units, sinks handrails etc.
saves grief, saves time.
better result