I love the vredesteins aswell.
I must admit my front are have worn already, but i havent exactly been driving like Miss daisy since getting Stage 1 Bluefin TBH.
The way i look at it, if they were out faster on a asym tread pattern, then the Compound must be quite soft and give better traction then say a longer lasting harder compound tyre.
I love the grip, and my traction control system doesnt kick in as much as it used to with the Dunlop Sportmax's.
I think as you say , the side wall tread design is good, and looks very sweet in comparrison to the Ps2/3's.
Im keeping to Vred's next time out.