ssg,
Interesting but obvious tread. To answer your question: yes, after V1 i would go even with 'plenty' of runway left, no doubts here..
Also having your other statements in mind regarding the so called 'late rotations', keep in mind that there are things such as stopways and clearways. In Europe (just as an example), the max clearway is 1/2 of the flare distance of the a/c concerned. That may add to the effect of watching an aircraft rotating 'late'.
Have you ever had a look in the TOSTA (Takeoff Safety Training Aid)? It also includes statistical data about high speed aborts.
regards,
Loko
ps. Sir, was it proven that the plane in the Congo crashed because of a flat tyre? If so, it would be interesting to know why it couldn't liftoff just because of a flat tire.