I may fall short on most things, but one of the few areas where I can offer input to the industry is through tire design. I only say this because from first hand information, you'd be surprised at who doesn't know what about the purpose behind designing tires for different applications. Most tires in mtb are designed to look good, functionality second. The Minion DH-R is a great example. With a few simple fixes it could be a great rear tire but as is its at best mediocre, and those flaws are blatantly obvious.
I would know, I'm trying to get on as a moto tire tester and designer and they tell me its off limits because they actually use pro MX racers, a closed track, and all sorts of analytical tools to determine what works and what doesn't.
I am pretty proud of this tire though. I'm not bragging, but I think it will be a good product to fill a void. It will be an 'overall' conditions tire for the most part, with leanings towards soft-intermediate. Definitely not a spike, but able to get the job done when needed. I've had a set for a few months now, and have done a couple of rides on them. So far so good, but the protos have a square profile, the production will be 'rounder' and thus easier to transition. The knob height will also be taller by a mm or more.
I have the original depiction of this tire here at my house that I did in 15 minutes one Saturday afternoon, in case you're wondering. Steve Peat, Greg Minnaar, and the rest of those guys may have tested it, but they sure did not have any input to the design.
;)