Big price difference in rear tyres, but is it necessary?

OEM 1290 tyre toast (in fact rear is flat from nail). I'm a fan of Metzeler tyres for street use. Never a track. Local roads sorta crap = I'm cautious on turns. I do enjoy the full throttle launches though.

Having said that I am wondering if you choose a "old" tyre such as a M3 or Q2 instead of an M7 or Q3 (insert your favorite tyre and model previous version).

It's quite a chunk of difference in price. Not saying I'll go buy a Dunlop 218 to save a few bucks, but for tyres that are considered premium and good fits for the 1290 would you go ahead with a prior generation?

For what its worth, KTM say the traction control only works properly with stock tyre. Or that its calibrated for stock rubber only. Doesn't mean it won't work with other tyres, but it will be different apparently.

For street use I doubt it matters, but tyre age does become an issue eventually. That said, a Q3 is the same price as a Q2, so why not go current?