[Speedfreak]

Tire siping has been around for a long time. Not sure why they are marketing as something new. It does help with rain and winter situations. I would not do it to performance tires. Not because it wouldn't work, but because you are losing dry traction.. The whole reason for buying this sort of tire.

That being said, I'd personally choose between the nt05r and the et street. Its a tough choice between the two. Toss up really. Both will be good.

Rain, any tire worth your time is going to be some level of concern in anything other then light rain. I'd just consider hard rain a situation you just have to get through just like a hard snow. Drive conservatively and you'll be fine.