A few bones to pick with the good Doktor...........

A single set of tires is not a good statistical sample, personal knowledge
or not.

If we were all to act on this type of view then Audi would not still be
making cars (can you say unintended acceleration?), Volvo wouldn't have the
reputation for safety that they have (I'm sure you've all seen the Vanagon
vs. Volvo pics) , and I wouldn't have a set of Michelins on my Camry.

The first set of Michelins I ever owned were fine tires, made in France, to
a European spec, TUV approved and all.  A great tire.......as long as the
roads stayed dry.  As the good Doktor well knows, from personal experience,
roads in the Pacific Northwest are rarely dry for too long.  With a bit or
rain on the road surface driving became a, shall we say, interesting
experience.

Move forward five years to when the Camry needed new tires.  I only
seriously looked at three brands, Conti, Yoko and, yes, Michelin.  All were
considered because of past personal experience, reputation, price,
recommendations etc.......  In the end the Michelins got put on and I've
been very happy with them.

My point is facts are based on information.  In my case, a poorly performing
small sample was not enough to deter me from future consideration of said
product line.  Would I buy THAT specific model again?  If I lived somewhere
dry, yes.  But for my circumstance and environment, no.  ANY company can
build a poor product, DM or no DM.  Knowledge and experience (mine and
others) help me to avoid those poor products.

Can a US tire factory put out a product of equal or better quality than a
Euro plant?  Yes, and the reverse is also true.  However, both facilities
are more than capable of putting out a very inferior product, be it a single
tire or a whole model line of tires.

In the end, armed with knowledge and experience, you pay your money and you
take your chances!

Mark
82 Westy