As for where the tread comes from, this comes straight from the man who has the rights to sell them via the 'net:

Quote
I have four (4) only of the GDT-Icelander M/T in local stock and will not be getting more until mid-November. The M/T in particular is an extremely aggressive tread derived from a NATO military tread design.


Now, there is no denying their similarity to the Yokos. However, I think it's possible that Yoko and GDT "borrowed"
their design from NATO.

Plus, the guy offered me a 10% discount on a set since I'm a teacher. That makes the tires 10% less than really expensive. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> However, even in spite of the price, I think I'm still gonna try and budget for a set.

And as for being too small: my 265/75/16s still occasionally rub on the front fenders, even after the lift and fender trimming... they're plenty big enough for me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

'98 Rodeo, Ranchos, OME 912s, General Grabber AT2 265/70/16s on steelies, Superwinch hubs, G80 code, Pioneer HU... two car seats and cracker crumbs.
*
Illegitimus non carborundum.
Educatio est omnium efficacissima forma rebellionis.