Tyre storage has a lot to do with how they perform, assuming this guy treated them in exactly the same way as he treated all of them (heat cycles and duration used, stored etc)
I'm the same as you George, I'm also going to try these less well known brands after trying Federals, I was very doubtfull of anything but a big name but tyre technology has changed recently and its more of an open playing field. There are loads of good reviews nowadays on cheaper track day tyres which can't be overlooked IMO.