My take on this is simple. I have a LOT of Vanagons in my driveway and
with at least 5 different door stickers depending on year and model. The
door stickers all show 10-25% lower pressure in the front than the rear,
no matter which of 3 tire sizes. Also some of the door stickers list 6
ply 50 psi Max tires as well as 8 ply 65 psi Max tires for the same size
but the inflation pressure shown for both is only 36 psi front. The
recommended pressures are the same for both types even though one type
could take much more. Don't you think if there was some big advantage to
putting more than 36 psi in the front of this Vanagon that VW would say
so, given that the tires listed can take 50 and 65 max, respectively?

I have no doubt that 60 psi in a front tire would feel better under some
circumstances and give long tread life along with lighter steering. What
it would NOT do is maintain the proper contact patch under as diverse
conditions as a properly inflated tire would. I want the wheels I rely
on most for steering and braking to maintain a proper contact patch
under as diverse and adverse conditions as possible. If that means lower
tread life, fine with me.

Mark