Whatever tire you choose you have to compromise between level of flat resistance and how good of a ride. The Marathon plus sits firmly in the extreme in the flat resistance end of the scale sacrificing ride feel to get it. I'd argue that the Plus does give you the "reliable" and "flat resistant" from your list at the cost of the "good ride". In fact I'd say the ride is the worst of any tire I have ridden on. That may be fine if that is where your priorities are, but it is at the far extreme end of the continuum between best "ride feel and performance" and best "reliability and flat resistance". I prefer something more in the middle of that continuum.