First, I'll say outright that I'm a Michelin fan (at least for summer tires -- snow tires are another matter) -- have tried W-rated Pirelli's (not a happy experience). Have used original Michelin MXVs through MXV4Plus's in H, and my last purchase was for Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2s, 55 series, in W rating -- and I'm still very happy with them.

But you have to keep in mind that there are many factors involved in blow-out and tread separation occurances, not the least of which are the aspect ratio. And it occurs to me, with you mentioning 17 inch tires, that you might have a low aspect ratio. The shorter/lower the sidewall height, the less compliance or resiliancy there is to resist the pounding of a pothole or other impact. I remember one time early in the run of the 850's (maybe the first or second year) when I was the only customer in a Volvo dealership service department for that moment, and the service writers were complaining about how many customers were coming in with blown out tires and bent rims! They were having a hard time keeping an adequate replacement supply in stock. Of course, New Jersey has its share of potholes (and of course, New York has us beat!), but I suppose if you lived elsewhere where there were no potholes you wouldn't have this experience.

I have 55's, and that's about as low as I would go (at least where I live) -- so I think that this may be a consideration.