Tire wear question

[53driver]

12K out of a rear tire sounds like you are doing everything right. I usually take them down to the wear markers but if you are getting a bad feel or noise go ahead and change it, you got the goody out of it. Tires are too cheap to try and get an uncomfortable or unsafe extra few hundred miles out of them.

+1
You've got TPMS already, so ensure that you are no kidding at 39/41 EVERY TIME for highway cruising.
12k is a great run for most. I get 15-18k out of either the 'Stones or Elite4s.
Yes, if the tire starts talking to you, it's time to listen. ("I get a slight howling sound")
Yes, if the tire starts communicating with you through the bike, it's time to listen. ("when I lean the bike on that ridge the back end does a little dance")
A flat tire on the side of the road - assuming you control it and manage to stop safely with out becoming the cream in a Peterbilt sandwich - will still cost you the price of a tire for a tow.
These are our babies - baby that girl!
Get her some new dancing shoes!
Cheers,
Steve