FYI, I ended up getting all 4 corners replaced (well, they will be installed soon) and I opted to get Kumho Ecsta HP4 716s. The other one I had strongly considered was the Dunlop Sport SP A2 that you recommended.

After the little thread debate and what not, I've decided to heed your advice and move the worn tires to the rear. I'm not worried about any snow control issues. As I said, I'm able guarantee that I never get myself into a snow situation where the front tire tread depth plays an important role.

After doing tons of reading about tires and the varying characteristics, this has managed to convince me to put the newer deeper tread tires in front whenever possible:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/airpress_vs_wetperf.html

Even though the article doesn't mention anything about tread depth, it doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that the deeper the tread, the more resistant the tire will be to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning in NYC is a real concern being that a lot of the roads (and highways) have large unavoidable puddles off to the side, and I do find myself driving in rain frequently.

So I just wanted to say thank you for having put up an argument to my reasoning and forcing me to re-evaluate my position.
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'