Why a relative replaced some perfectly good Michelin Tires?

This is a very interesting and debatable topic. 2 separate topics, age and location of damage. The common thread being safety and government control of what is deemed safe. In my opinion, government tire lobbyist have steered the legislation in such a way as to deem most any tire irreparable. I'm torn, because I'm old school and yet I like safe roadways as well. I feel like if I have a screw within 1" of the sidewall I'd like to still be able to get it repaired. Nobody, big retailer, will do this anymore. I want to be safe, but I've had many a tire in this condition over the years, and getting a plug or repair has never been a problem. But the tire companies want to sell more tires. Walmart won't even sell you 2 tires at a time anymore. Government and retail restrictions. Fortunately I have a tire guy who is old school. He was taught by an old timer to "do as the customer asks." So he'll plug a tire for me that has a screw within 1" of the sidewall. Now I'm not a young street racer or real race car driver. So my situation might be different, but seems a shame that people have to buy a new set of tires for something unnecessary in reality. Too much government, too much corporate greed. Thanks