It is a complicated question...tires...might as well ask a Buddhist about the meaning of the one handed clap.
Take me for instance...I commute 20 miles every morning, but I ride in the dark (have to be at work by 7, construction) so I cant see much, cant avoid much, I need big balloon type tires cause I hit everything. Riding to work is like a bucking horse. I hate routine so have to switch routes to keep the unexpected.
The guy who needs to be in the office by 9? He can ride his standard road bike with racing wheels and tires, 23mm Contis on Zipp 404s and be all good.
It all depends.