Greetings Craig,
Personal choice really my friend, depends on so many variables such as type of bike, where you will ride the majority of the time, rider comfort and confidence, mud vs rock, etc.
I use Michelin/Pirelli trials tyres on my Serow and Beta Alp 4.0 as I do not like knobblies -period
I perhaps have a harder time in muddy conditions but find them just fine for my riding (or should that be falling off
) in the Lakes, Dales and Peaks. I ride both bikes with HD tubes and tyre pressures of 18psi front and 14psi rear, adjusted down for really muddy sections if required whilst out on the lanes.
Pays your money and takes your choice I'm afraid, it would n't do if we all liked the same thing.
TTFN
Hugh.