In order to replace the tires and survive, Firestone must strategically manipulate replacement, otherwise the problem would be on a much larger scale. When evaluating a problem, all possibilities must be considered. To say that a product should work no matter what is done to it is ludicrous. Specifications are given for a reason. You, editor of Quality magazine, of all people, should know that.
All product is tested to certain specifications.
If the maximum tire pressure specifications were changed to 50 pounds per square inch from 35 pounds per square inch, then the tires would need to be redesigned to fit all environmental conditions at that pressure. I am not saying that the tire pressure was out of specification, I am merely pointing out the invalidity of your statement. Many, like myself, want to know the cause of the problem, how to avoid it if it takes time for tires to be replaced and what is being done to avoid future problems. I want to hear the official fixing the problem speak in technical terms if not for information, then for the comfort that knowledgeable people are working on the problem. I hope the article was written to encourage controversy, because if not, it sure was not thought out, nor presented well in this type of specialized periodical.