Of course the distributors will not lose money to keep the unsellable tyres, hence they will push for products that are close to expiry dates. I saw someway in the website that we should not buy tyres that are around 4 years old.
Hence old types do have quality issue even they are properly sealed. 
Think they are misunderstanding between you and clarence. Sometimes exchange of words can be quite hot, even thought they do not meant to be nasty. Let's put everthing behind to make this forum a better place to share ideas and comments.
Hello vortex,
This is my last reply to this thread. I have some knowledge and info how the tyres are being disposed and recycle. But I won't force you to believe. In SG if you are able to find a >4 yrs old new tyres, you will kena Big Sweep.
I have a colleague who are quite a low mileage user, clocked slightly less than 30,000km for going 5 years of usage before upgrading his car. When we get to know of it, we simply ask why he did not change his tyres, he simply shrugged his shoulder and say still in good condition. So my message is simple, is a sealed and in controlled storage environment tyres worst than a used which exposed to heat, water, dirt and humidity tyre ? I not trying to prove I right but wanna lay the logic behind. As for this clarence, let you slowly learn about him.
Peace.
