There could be one other possibility. It is possible that there was a dispute between the owner and the tire manufacturer. It can take a long time to settle that kind of stuff. It could very well be that the tire manufacturer wore the guy down, which can really take the wind out of anyone's sails. Sure it financially unwise, but the stress of life can get the better of anyone. Sometimes dealing with an issue is more stressful than ignoring it. I will admit to having a few cobwebs of my own - like a Goldwing that has been sitting apart in my garage for a number of years. Life goes on.