I'm trying something a little different.

Rider: 6', 250 lbs.
Bike: Surly CC (stock complete).
Tires: Surly Knards (41c)

I'm using the bike as my all-purpose steed at the moment. During the week she is my commuter, and on that commute I generally attempt to keep above 12-13 mph average over the 6 mile trip (each way). I also use the bike to do varied-terrain riding at 50 mile distances on average. Up until this coming weekend, that mileage has been exclusively on roads. I have ridden in a supported group ride (50 miler) on the tires and can say that while I love them - they're just worthless as a road tire. So I'm looking at setting myself up with a better day-to-day tire and putting them on reserve for truly epic caliche trail days. I've ridden a variety of road and CX tires but I'm not sure where that sweet spot is, nor am I an expert on which tire has made the difference in my ride.

I'm looking at a couple sets of tires:

1.Clement LAS
2.Continental Travel Contact
3.Panaracer Tourguard Plus

I don't think I want to go below a 32c; I've ridden Fyxation Session 700s in 28 and they were okay - but the contact patch was iffy with some of the silt/sand road conditions I sometimes encounter. I've ridden the Clement LAS before and was happy with it, but am not sure if it is a great tire, or if I'm just not familiar with what a great tire should feel like. I'm thinking anywhere between a 32-35c gives me a quality commuter tire that I can still do group rides on, right? I think anything in the 40+c range is going to be just too much tire.

I have heard great things about Gatorskins, but then I've heard they're harder than bricks and roll like turds, so I haven't considered them up to this point.

So what are your suggestions? I assume I'm right in my feelings about my Knards being great tires, just being used with the entirely wrong application.