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A) still doesn't make sense to me because at the same rpm you have the same number of cycles with less deformation. If it is the movement of the rubber back and forth that causes it to crack and leak then higher pressures would be better, if it is the opposing compression forces of the road on one side and the air on the other then lower would be better. I have no idea which one is worse for tyre failure so its inconclusive until someone enlightens me...?
b) Dragsters also do a quick burn-out to warm up their tyres, so obviously temperature is important and the tyres can heat up pretty quickly. I think there is warm which is good and hot which is bad. I wouldn't be surprised with significant temperature differences in the tyres across 5 seconds.
I have heard that the reason for the big low psi tyres on dragsters is because the rubber acts as a torsional (rotating) spring, that absorbs some of the initial force when the clutch comes out and releases it when the rpm/torque drops a little bit when the clutch actually engages. I don't think the peak friction of the tyre is increased, its just smoothing out the engine input to keep it close to the peak for longer...
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