This is a nice thread.

I have been riding the 28 Gaterskin Hardshells on my commuter for a couple years. My bike came with Continental Sport Contact and the ride was pretty nice, but flats were a problem (my commute is pretty urban, lots of road shrapnel) so I switched to the Hardshells. I agree that the Hardshell ride is harsher than other tires, but for me the flat resistance is paramount.