They have a former Pirelli (I think it was) top guy as well, a Brit named Jerry. Somebody here will probably know his last name

They are for sure developing a lot. They have a new compound from somewhere in the second half of last year.

They are certainly not bad (tested them only briefly) but they are not on the same level of Michelin either (price is a lot lower as well of course). Mainly the feeling the tyre gives is very different to Michelin.