I agree...but disagree.
The pressure on the sticker is supposedly the "optimal" pressure with stock tires. In the case where the car manufacturer throws on any tire they get hold of...then the sticker is bollocks.
Speaking specifically about the Elise...it is known in the community what the proper pressure is for the make and model of tire.
The tire manufacture does not list the optimal pressure on the tire (only max load capacity pressure) because they can not. Optimal pressure can only be known when the application is known. Max load pressure will make the tires feel like you are driving on steel if you don't have enough weight on them.
To take it further...I have to go weigh my motorcoach in loaded condition, calculate corner weights, consult the tire manufacturer's chart regarding the highest corner weight for that axle and apply that pressure for all tires on that axle. I also have to take into account dual or single axle and dual or single tire per axle!
