Soft compound rubber is best for traction, but worst for longevity. It is indeed a trade-off.
Also, soft compound is a lot more susceptible to cold-weather wear , as in cold-storage over the winter in an unheated garage. Goodyears are the most famous for this. The first year, they are really good, and after the winter and into the next year, they are junk and just spin off.
It is an expensive game of live and learn.
I'm a cheap dink, and I want the maximum bang for my buck. I can't speak to the Pirelli's for modern stuff, so it would be unfair to say that they are still as disappointing as they were when I tried them years ago. Caveat Emptor, as they say. I have used Michelin Pilot Sports and Pilot Powers and prefer the Sports for their mileage. I still have a set of Nitto Invos on my Vette which have been on the car for five years, and although their initial traction is not great, I have been very impressed with their longevity. It is definitely a challenge to choose the right tire.