Yeah, those Marathon Pluses are brilliant for not getting punctures but agree the ride quality is somewhat impacted. They also caused havoc with one of my hand built wheels due to how tight they were, they literally took 2/3 of the tension out of the spokes and it caused some of the nipples to loosen. Durano Pluses seem a good compromise for my 'Audax bike' until I have enough confidence to try tubeless again.
On my commuting bike I love the marathons.....glass, screws, nails I've ridden over all of them and not had a p******e in about 4 years. I have a spare set in the garage but I reckon it will be at least another 2 years before I need them.
Bontrager R3's are what I had on for PBP and for a light and fast tyre I have been surprised that they seem to hold up well to the Essex/Suffolk/Norfolk roads as well....although I have only really used them in summer conditions with some sealant in the tubes.
