In response to a question way back in this thread, re how do you know when the tire needs to be changed? In PA it's when the inspection station says it needs to be changed. No further questions or arguments accepted. If they won't inspect it, then theoretically, you can't ride it any more, except maybe back home.
Currently ready to change out my rear AVON Storm II rear at 11,600 miles on my 1996 ST, probably for an AVON Storm 3D since the II is out of production in this size. This tire (or tyre if you prefer) has been trouble free, as well as the matching front which still has a long way to go. As far as wobble and cupping go, every time that issue has appeared it has always been a matter of tire pressure. Nothing more. With 4o# in the front and 42# in the back ((ON MY GAUGES - that may be important?) I have no problems and evidently acceptable wear and the traction has been great on many different albeit DRY road surfaces. I have ridden in the rain but on the back and country roads I ride on normally, I don't get up a lot of speed and frankly, riding in rain scares the hell out of me! Will I? Yeah, if I have to but will I like it? Not likely.
One other point I should make is that after a long winter when the bike just sits, the tires can develop flat spots making it hard to even roll the bike. Checking tire pressure first helps that a lot!