Tyres are like clothes.. everyone has "opinions" on them. Some people like squirmy cause thats generally how they drive, some people like a predictable tyre.. list goes on..

Do what feels right to you.

Just cause someone bagged them does not mean that its no good (too a point , you could be riding on re-treads ).

Simply..

Want good traction , go soft tyre... soft tyre = more wear.

Want good wear, go a harder tyre ... hard tyre = less traction.

*Note these are very generic simple terms*

Other things to keep in mind are proper inflation, Tyre rotation and maintenance.