Very well put Loren...I see your point.

I've been autocrossing regularly since 1998. I've autocrossed my old stock 5 speed '96 Altima SE on Yoko AVS Intermediates and my '02 SVT Focus on its Contisports.
Over the last few years I've become more consistant...upgrading to the Focus has really helped a lot. The car is much easier to drive fast. It seems effortless in comparison. The Contisports provided great performance across the board, and when they "broke" traction it was consistant. meaning I always knew when they were going to give.
There are times when I felt I could have done better if the tires could have given me a bit more though.
I try to be smooth, I think I am pretty smooth. I just felt like the next progression would be comp tires. But, maybe I should just go with a even better street tire first for autocross use as well. huh?
I'm just afraid if i did that, i'd be dissapointed, that the street tires for race use wouldn't be any better than what I'm already used to.