That is an interesting article, but it does not deal specifically with multi-piece rims. Generally, the bead area of a sectional rim is heavier than a single piece one, which is stamped or rolled from a flat sheet of metal. also, a tire on a sectional rim must run a tube and a flap to keep the tube from being damaged by contact with the wheel. All these differences will create stress vectors and loads that differ vastly from those encountered when a tire is mounted "tubeless".
The point about radials on only one axle having an effect on handling is a very good one. The flex of the sidewall on a radial tire will create a lag in the steering input by the driver that can adversely affect handling compared to the steering input with a bias ply tire. When radials and bias tires are combined on opposite ends of a vehicle, the steering can get pretty "interesting" at times, particularly in an unexpected turn at speed, or a "crash avoidance" maneuver.
Jerry
