Makes sense about the compound being the deciding factor on plain wet surface. For me though, the extra tread/thickness + tour guard protection of the Pasela (or like-kind tires) are safer in the rain, as I'm unable to see glass or other little-dangers on wet pavement that would otherwise play havoc on my higher performance open tubulars. The tread does give me some assurance on wet things such as leaves which is common this time of year. I would believe there is some mechanical/cutting action occurring with the tread that smooth tread (sticky or hard) would otherwise not provide?