Placement of new tires

It’s about braking traction, not the drive wheels. If you like facing the same direction that you were driving when you are stopping, put the better tires in the back. Of course, replacing all four together is still the best answer.

What does Michelin say about tire rotation? As I said before, the advantage that you state is gone when tires are rotated as they must be, especially with a front driver. Also, antilock brakes and traction control which some cars have, can do a lot to make the need for new on rear a minor consideration. What about rear drivers or four wheel drivers which have more weight percentage at the rear? New on rear can be a mindless rule that is blind to other considerations.