The Mitas/Trellborg/Barum is an old Soviet block company, built to last, not so much for performance.

Perhaps the E-09 knobby is too aggressive on a A.T for road use?
Could be you went with the wrong tire for that bike/load? Curious ... since you're doing a review ... you might want to list WHAT SIZE tire you used?
Many owners go one size up or down. (EG: my DR650 calls for a 120/17 but many run the more common 130 sections ... both sizes work fine)

I don't agree with your opinion on the Avon Distanzia ... having run several front and rears on several bikes on long trips. The Distanzia is certainly not an off road tire but is great on pavement in ALL conditions. I've run two on my DR650, got 9,500 miles out of the last one. I went off road with it loaded, but had a TKC on the front and ran 18 PSI on the Distanzia rear. Not so bad. Also ran two sets on my Vstroms in aggressive road work. They don't last as long as a Tourance but not bad ... used to be a bit cheaper (in the USA).

Most reports suggest the Mitas are good, long lasting off road dual sport tires ... but most are using them on Thumpers, no? Not big, fully loaded, heavy twins ridden two up. I really think you picked the wrong tire. I doubt it's rated for the A.T. ... could be why it split down the midddle? Exceeded its capacity?

You never mentioned what pressures you tried on this tire. Pressure are critical. I would not totally PAN a tire based on one failure. Many have used this tire with success.
BTW, I'm sure the Mitas distributor would have replaced that tire with a new one (free) .... you need only show up with it at a dealer. (easier said than done, I know)