LRR tires are a mixed bag. They've given me better fuel efficiency but haven't latest nearly as long. I just traded fuel costs for tire costs. And I don't necessarily mean per set either. If the tires wear out 25% faster then I can't imagine it being better. It may actually be worse, and not just monetarily. Brake and tire dust are pretty bad pollutants as well. At least to those living near busy roads.
I'm all for better and more efficient tires, but unless you're getting better fuel efficiency for the same durability, I don't see how this is any better.
And to their point of increased tire costs, being forced to make a shit ton more will certainly being the price down some. Right now there just isn't a huge demand so regular tires outsell them by a wide margin.