I've done several tours on slicks. When buying new tires, I request them. But the last two times, the bike store had none in stock. So I ended up with tires with a bit of tread.

I don't notice any difference in the feel of the ride with or without treads. I travel on paved roads 99.99% of the time. When I ride on gravel, I slow down. I avoid riding on sand.

I get about the same number of punctures with treaded and untreaded tires... I think width is more of an influence. (32 mm: rarely. 28 mm: once in a blue moon. 23 and 25 mm: once or twice a season.)