For me, having rode skinny tire bikes and fat tire bikes, I can feel which bike pedals with the most effort, or least effort (there are a lot of variables - bike weight, wheel weight and tire/tube weight, plus your body weight/fitness).
Take the scientific data and use it to your best advantage in your tire choice decisions.
Please don't re-size tires again, such as what is being done on Mtn bikes. There is no need for that IMO.
700c is close to ideal, as I feel/felt 26" mtn bike tires are/were.
We have a lot of tire widths available these days. Choose one that best applies to your needs. I always choose a folding lightweight tire.
If you're so picky that todays road needs different tires than tomorrows road, well, thats on you, and your choice!
I do see myself coming down on tire psi these days. But when I get out on a go fast group ride, its 120 psi baby!