Tyre failure and tyre liners

I had a substantial tyre failure today - see pictures.  Ended up with
a large bit of tread missing and a gash right through the cords.

see pictures at:

http://www.webstersabingdon.plus.com/tyres/

I ended up with a large egg in the tyre with a distinct lump on each
rotation.

The point of this is that I was only saved from a blowout by the Mr
Tuffy tyre liner inside acting as a tyre boot.  This is a benefit of
tyre liners beyond the prevention of punctures from "just penetrating"
objects that is sometimes missed.

Another side benefit is that any punctures (the only other one in this
tyre in over 3000 miles was caused by a large nail that no reasonable
precautions could prevent) tend to self-seal to some extent, leaving
you with a slow puncture that can be sorted when convenient.

Does anyone have any other evidence to support these comments?

My final point is a comment on the threads about tyre longevity.  I
rarely wear down tyres, much more usual is this sort of sudden failure
- as you can see this tyre still had plenty of tread left after 3300
miles.  So my answer to those who ask "how long can I expect my tyres
to last?" is "until you run over something that shreds them".  Does
anyone else subscribe to this view.

Don't know what caused this puncture(dark & wet - I didn't see what
did it), but I'm certainly glad to have been saved from a long walk (I
carry spare tube, but not tyre).  One up to tyre liners on this
occasion.

Andrew Webster