Wow I am definitely in the minority here. I like the shiny look of tires that the tire products offer - I always have.
What I did NOT like, still do NOT like, and never WILL like, is the messy application (which leaves a slippery, asphalt-damaging surface) or the sling (which you all have mentioned) or the fact that the first puddle you go through, or the first rain shower, will wash the product off.
In another thread on this board, someone asked about the best tire dressing to use. One guy mentioned Meg's "Endurance". I went to one of DC's sponsor's online store, looked over the product, and decided to order a bottle. It's on its way now to my home.
Endurance is a wo/wo product that claims to not sling all over your car. It also claims to last a little while (my words). We shall see... NO claim was made, if I recall correctly, about the messy residue issue on the pavement.
I feel that if you're going to go through all of the trouble to have the rest of the car's exterior surfaces shine (the paint, the windows, the chrome if any, the wheels, the lights), then why the heck not the tires as well? I only wish one could shine the treads as well! LOL
Charles