I would agree, but it is also the first, last, and only part of the vehicle that touches the ground. Sure, they have never blown out, that's one aspect of tire safety.
But a brand name tire (certainly in passenger car tires, assuming the same with AT/MT's) will stop a few feet shorter in all conditions, slip marginally less when you need it most.
Sure, it's (brand name) maybe a few $100 notes more expensive, but a rear ender that might have been prevented had your tires slipped less and required ABS activation milliseconds later under braking will certainly make up for intial up front cost. Nevermind the hassle of reporting the incident, dealing with insurance, etc.
Listen, if you drive very slow, are never distracted, and always leave the suggested following distances, what tire you drive on won't likely matter. But I'd wager that even the best drivers out there, will have an "oh ____" moment once every blue moon.
Personally, I live in Toronto, tonnes of terrific drivers, but even more poor drivers. I buy name brand passenger tires because most of my miles are on pavement, and the summer and winter tires I buy are always top 3 in subjective and measured tests on Tirerack. Buys me precious feet of stopping distances when I'm not at the top of my game and focus, margin of error, that's the word I'm looking for.
. Now I have contemplated going unique - Baja Claws or a Krawler Tire/Pro Comp?, but I just don't know ...lol
