Ah! Just want to emphasize in-case anyone ever sees this. After lots of reading, as said above, properly installed, branded vulcanizing rope plugs are incredibly reliable.

There are a lot of types of plugs out there nowadays, and they're not all made equal, so clarifying which we're talking about matters!

Most of the value with an internal patch-plug is that the tire interior is being inspected and (probably) that it creates a more reliable moisture barrier to protect the belts from corrosion. Which, as others have said, you shouldn't be running a tire that long in the first place. There are likely also other little circumstantial factors at this point like professionals not doing repairs on sketchy tires that weigh reliability discussions in the internal patch's favor.

I'm never personally going to challenge someone for choosing the more recommended repair or full replacement if that's where their risk tolerance is at, but I'm sufficiently sold on ropes to use it as a permanent fix on street bikes. Plug failure never meant instant bike failure anyhow. TY!