HOWEVER, the last puncture I experienced was with a Michelin tire
purchased
from Sam's Club. They would not plug it. They insisted on removing it
from the rim and Appling a large patch on the inside of the tire.

I really don't know if the standards have changed or they are just ultra
conservative in their approach.

I think they re afraid of some liability issues if they just "plug it" and
it fails later, possibly causing an accident