As you said, I think it's your call on the tires. I'm like you, though. I'll sacrifice some performance for durability and flat protection. I HAVE had a flat in the dark, riding home late at night, by myself, on a lonely road. One of those times I should not have been out at all, but it was a necessity and something I had to do. Ended up walking three miles instead of riding. Spooky experience. NOT good. I also like wider for comfort and safety on less than perfect roads, but 4mm one way or the other probably isn't going to be too significant. Had 28s on my old Domane that came with the bike and had no complaints at all. The reason I go so wide on my road bikes, up here, is that our paved roads don't get much maintenance or traffic, so lots of debris on the roads at times. That, and I like to go down the occasional dirt or gravel road. Also, I'm always riding solo, so I can take my time. No need to keep up the pace.