Just bought Kumho Ecsta KU-31's
 

I've only had them on the front for a few days but they REALLY stop in the rain. For $100 each I think they're a great choice.
I discussed going to 17" wheels (I have 15's) with my tyre guy and he put me off. There are too many potholes and road humps. He showed me some 17's with 45 profiles on them, the tyres were busted in the sidewalls and the rims were damaged too. He says that often, people come back in just a few weeks after getting them fitted, with the tyres broken and the rims chipped, fractured, or bent. Stupid people here put down road humps everywhere without any warnings.