Who do you get to fit them and how much cost per tyre?
I find by the time I've paid for fitting/ balancing there's very little difference in price buying online and faffing about with transporting wheels and tyres than just going and buying the tyres from the shop!
Midden, I said in the post - I have a friend (master tech) who fits tyres to loose wheels for me. He has never taken a penny off me for it in 18 years, although I do buy him nice presents every so often. Usually bike related.So, in answer to your question, no
Its to di with water displacement. Front pushes water away so rear can grip. Hence reversed tread