Think the wider tires provide a more comfortable ride and extra durability. Ride gravel all the time, no problems. Don't go through many road tires, so no experience on much else.

For mtn, I like Maxxis or Bontrager. Maxxis minions or high rollers for trail/enduro riding. I have an ardent race that came on the back of one bike, but it doesn't brake well. Bontrager XR4s for XC. Good grip, rolling resisitance, braking. In general I prefer to sacrifice a little rolling resistance vs sacrifice traction/braking.

Specialized also makes good tires. Think WTB/Contiental are too heavy for comparable tires. Schwalbe too expensive. No experience on Michelin or other brands.