tires

Hello all,
I have a 2K ES Protege and am going to need new tires soon. The stock
Bridgestone Potenza 195 x 55 x 15R's are noisy and don't have the greatest
wet traction. In reading the feedback on tirerack.com, opinion is all over
the map and there doesn't seem to be a standout replacement for the stock
tires. I'm interested in amyone's opinion on a good all season replacement
that's available in the (somewhat rare) 195/55/R15 size.

Also, has anyone ever cut out the metal brackets in the protege trunk so
they could fit a full size spare in? The brackets are welded in there and
appear to, as far as I can tell, to keep the tiny spare donut in place. I'm
assuming a full size spare is optional, and if the car had been ordered with
it, the brackets wouldn't have been there.

TIA for any replies.
CC