For me, It's all about the money and not so much about going 2 seconds faster, as long as we are on the same, safe tire, I really don't care if it's a street tire. The comment/fact made that 18 heat cycles and still consistent sounds great and I hope that is a fact for our cars, then this discussion isn't even necessary. However, since we are close to $1,000 for a set of tires, IF it's for much less track time, then like in the past, we will need to talk as a group (944spec) and make a choice on tires, the fact remains we are the customer and there is the "golden rule"! (he with the gold rules)
Actually I am exited to have a new tire that is faster, for the same price as a shaved RA1, when Eric starts using them the numbers won't lie and we can deal with it then if need be.
Eric, to bad this must be taking some of your focus away from the biggest race weekend of the year, so if it is, don't let it, $hit happens and we keep on racing!!!
Good luck to all of you at Nationals, be safe!