>Alternatively, I was thinking about replacing all four for the Bridgestone
>Potenza S-02.

I have them, love them. $290 each discounted, more expensive than Pilots.

>I've heard that the S-02 is a better rain tire (I live in South Florida).

It's an awesome rain tire....the tread is very aggressive.

>smoother riding,

Much more...I hope they're also quiet at 3mm remaining (unlike the Pilots)

>slightly longer lasting (3-5K miles)

Don't know yet...

>nearly as good in the gripping department when compared with the MXX3's.

Well, the ABS kicks in on dry asphalt (with the Pilots, ABS never kicked in on dry asphalt.) You definitely need to re-adjust your habits for these tires BEFORE a CRISIS. Or, you'll rear-end someone. Of course, on wet pavement, the stopping is awesome. The Pilots are downright scary on a poorly draining Interstate--I was renting cars for rainy business trips so I wouldn't have to drive the M3 w/ Pilots on flooded ten lane Interstates. With the S-02's, I don't rent anymore. But, I can't emphasize enough that you better test out locking 'em up at 60-70 MPH before you need to do it for real--the Pilots make you "braking confident". Not the S-02's.

• - Skip