I'm not speaking about marketing either, I'm talking about real world applications.

That Ziemas has had good luck with the Gatorskins is great. I've had great luck commuting on Michelin Axial Pros, Michelin Pro Race 1 and 2, and on Schwalbe Ultremos and Durano S tires. I rarely (as in almost never) get flats (please spare me flat gods, I'm only making this statement to make a point), that does not mean that the tires I use are as flat resistant as the Marathon Plus, or even the Ultra Gatorskin; they are not.

I would guess that Ziemas has more than a few miles in the saddle, and knows how to ride a bike in a way to minimize flats. You combine that with a nice tire which is built for endurance and protection, it's a really effective combination. That does not empirically make one tire as flat resistant as another. All things equal, the MP is much better at preventing/eliminating flats. If this were not true; if the Gatorskin was "just as effective", then Conti would not be introducing the Touring Plus.... (wonder where they came up with the name "Plus"?...... Genius).