Haven't used 'Stones in several years-courtesy of Mssr. Nasser. BTW, check most any manufacturer and you will see that unless it is a high performance vehicle or a premium brand, you will see that the tires are nearly always an entry level-or in your terms, cheap, tire.
Anyway you are right, I wouldn't hit a sick dog in the backside with a set of Generals! Have had good luck with Firestones, though!