I don't really understand this debate, while I understand we want a longer lasting tire, in most track stickers or scuffs are going to be quicker regardless how many heat cycle they last.
If you are at the pointy end anything over .100 of a second is going to count....so lets just say a 4 heat cycle tire only drops off .300 of a second, that can be a difference between pole or 7th place if not more in some races depends on the talent that shows up.
So those guys at the front are going to put fresher tires on regardless how many heat cycle the tire last....us mid-packs guys its not going to make that much of a difference.
The only way you are going to lower the cost is by implementing a tire rule like the pros do. World Challenge you bring your tires up and they are marked.
You also get (1) extra tire to change in the event you flat spot or whatever.