I never really thought about seating the opposite bead in the center of the tire - but it makes sense. I'll try that next time. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with using levers - to mount or dismount the tire. If the tire comes off or goes on easily without the levers, then, I skip them. If I encounter any difficulty at all, I use the lever - can't see putting any additional muscle effort into what is already an aggravating chore - especially if I'm roadside with sweat running onto my glasses and "skeeters" peckin' at my vessels - all I want is to finish, pump up, and be back on my way.

I only run 23C tires, and I'm using the Schwalbe foldable type, so on and off are really simple these days.

Caruso