There will as many opinions as individuals but you are the one who is using it on the road so it's your conclusion what you wear... "bikinis or overalls or some combination"

and
is it you who suffers or enjoys
Testing is the key word if you have time and conditions to do it !!!
I'm not Guru or Lord of the Rings of anything but I try to based my opinions on facts what I have find out on testing.
Telling lies to yourself it's like peeing your pants it will be warm some minutes but ****ing lot colder aftermath......
I have used all tyres mentioned above. They are good on conditions they are designed to use.
1. What kind of road surface ?
2. How long tyres
must last ?
3. Riding speed ?
4. Weight of the bike loaded ?
18" rear is much better choice than 17". First you have more alternatives on tyres. Diameter is bigger > last longer.
If you are using your XT 600 take K 60 140/80-18" and it'll last + 10000 mile
That photo above of K 60 I use it from Finland - Ullan Baatar - Gobi - Almaty and there was still 3 mm to use. I had other K 60 with me so I changed it for Pamir Highway because I know it'll last rest of the journey.
Keep that clear in your mind and you'll do fine.
Mitas E 09
I use on soft sand and mud also E 02 is good ...
Kuzomen desert Kola peninsula
Haidenau K 60 when I need long lasting
all-round.
Gobi desert Mongolia
Michelin Dessert on my Rally bike they last up to 2000 km. Okay they are designed to last one day in Dakar what is less than 680 km.
KTM 660 Rally 1000km on 24 hour on gravel Finland 2011
Pirelli MT 21 also good all-round
Aastingin hauta Swamp Lapland
AVON Distances on Alps and tarmac. Also Metzler Tourance is okay
Passo del Dosso Alto Italia
Trelleborg and Kings on winter with studs
ICE BUTT 2011 Nordkapp - Joroinen 1000 mile / 24 hour 10 -11 Feb 2011
On Iceroad racing DURO with studs is the best.
Finnish Championship series Järvenpää
Supermoto Michelin or Maxxsis
Practice in Rapla Estonia
IT's NOT EASY TASK :confused1: