As the OP (and as someone who currently uses ST tires but is willing to listen to both sides), I have found some of the posts in this thread to be informative and thought-provoking. Some of them, as expected, are harsher in tone than others. That's ok -- this is a discussion, not a therapy session.
I wish we could get someone in the tire industry to post his or her thoughts about why tire manufacturers recommend ST tires for most trailer applications. The rest of us are on the outside, peering into a black box.
My only insider insight comes from my discussions with general counsel for other types of manufacturers, who tell me that every sane domestic company will make end-user recommendations that are designed to "bombproof" the product (and hence the company) from product liability suits. If (let's say) a piece of cookware can actually withstand oven temperatures of 500 degrees, they will place a limit of 425 degrees for the consumer.
That way, if some fool puts a cold ceramic dish into a 525 degree pizza oven, and the dish explodes, there is some protection for the manufacturer. Apparently, there is some sort of forensic examination that will reveal the temp at the time of the explosion, and they have reams of data showing that those dishes will not explode when properly used.
But this is indirect evidence -- I have never spoken directly to the attorneys for a tire company, and I hope I never will (at least as a disgruntled end user). ;)
