fair quote? recommendation for new tires around bay area
not sure if you can make out abe's face in the pictures, but it looks as though the treads are pretty shallow.... also, i guess the rear tires are a different size? 255/35 ZY18. what does that mean? do they have to be replaced as well?
Good comeback, although I sense you got my tongue-in-cheek comment on warranty driving the purchase choice....and touche to the point of the OE tires!! Not every OE chooses Michelin, as other brands' hard compound tires may be offered at lower cost, which OEs want to produce higher EPA results for the window sticker! Rolling resistance is king among OEs! But, if Michelin chose to underbid another supplier by $1/car, stand back for the rush of OE chassis engineers! 
BTW, my favorite story on warranty from a focus group years ago. Middle age woman, Camry owner, while we were testing longer/lifetime warranties to help drive new car sales: "I don't need a warranty. I have a Toyota." Wonder what she thinks today!?!?
Here's something upon which I think (hope?) we can all agree. However you achieve this, it is best to have four tires of similar characteristics (tire brand, model, tread depth). This provides the best and most predictable handling characteristics without creating unexpected strength or weakness of performance at the front or rear.
The different size in the rear is called having "staggered" tires....wider in the back for enhanced performance. This is an extra cost feature which is part of the Sport package. I sense you may be a Luxury-type buyer, so next time out, you may want to find a car with smaller, same size wheels/tires at all four corners for the best ride quality.




