"I kinda worry about places that are selling tires way to cheaply. I fear they may be selling seconds that are safe but may not balance well... [/quote]
My daughter worked at _______ for many years making tires right here in Spartanburg. No unsafe tires are sent out....although I'm sure some folks got a set of tires that were a witch to balance

...or was it the rim.
She was very involved in the tire process and ONCE I got to go on a tour to see how they're made...its amazing. (didn't want to "advertize the brand name)
That said, back in the day, "seconds" or "blems" must be marked as such. I use to run them back many, many years ago, The blemish had nothing to do with the perfomance of the tires.... man, don't you just know some lawyers would love to get a hold of some cases like that....as in the one Firestone had back in the late 70's or early 80's.
I watch my tires being put on and if one takes some "extra" weight I do not mind asking for that tire NOT to be used. If they don't like it they can take them back off.....happened twice in my lifetime and both times the tire vendor gracefully accomodated me, and I'm sure put them on some unsuspecting persons car.
Just saying......