I don't know what all the rant is about owning Michelins, as I never had them on my ST1300.
Al,
Tires, like oil, seem to be a very personal choice. Many of us, who like Michelins, do so because we have used others and have done some comparing. Perhaps you should try some and maybe then you would understand why there is some angst regarding supply. Myself....I have used Bridgestones, Pirellis, and Michelins. Of those 3, I like the way the Michelins (PR2, 3, &4) handle and the mileage I get. I am on my first set of PR4's. I am now 20% past where I normally have to replace tires, and there is still some to go (regardless of brand, I seldom get more than 10k out of a rear. I now have 12k on a PR4). Handling has not deteriorated significantly, so it appears, at least in MY hands, that the claims of Michelin are true. I go through at least 3 sets of tires a year. If the PR4's cut that down to 2, then I am ahead of the game a little. Plus I ride I tire that I like.
Of course, as with virtually anything regarding personal choices, YMMV.
Rod