The problem with using 10mm tape is that it *barely* covers the holes. I've seen a whole lot of 10mm tape bunched up on one side with spoke holes exposed. Tight tires push it to one side as they're being installed. It also just seems to migrate on its own after a while.
I'm not denying your experience, but my experience is different from yours, I haven't ever seen that happen in 40 years of riding either with my own wheels or others I've seen. The fact I've never seen it caught me surprise when you mentioned it!! I have seen 10mm rubber and plastic strips do that and shift around, not sure why some rim manufactures back in the 80's even used those strips.
By the way, there was at least two guys on a forum that had problems with the plugs that made it MORE difficult to install his tire, not less; see:
Anyone had this problem with rim plugs?... [Archive] - Bike Forums
I hate to sound weird, but you all should be use to that! Anywho, I can't help to think that the only reason tape would move is by improper preparation and application, then perhaps as the tape got to be several years old maybe, but I've never seen that even then, right on up to replacement time, which the tape lasts so long it may take 10 years for the tape to get to the point of replacement. I've used different brands of tape over the years and never had any issue with any brand so I can't see that as being a brand specific problem like I do with glueless patches. (I only use Park and Specialized glueless patches and those have never failed in 20 years of use while others have).
But I would advise that if you're going to use the plugs to carry a couple with you just in case while attempting to fix a flat that you accidentally don't lose one or two if they should fall out. My understanding is too that those plugs should only be used with deep aero rims where the nips are well countersunked.
Another thing, I use to know a guy that all he did was to go the el cheapo route, he used 3M filament packing tape! It must of worked because he used it for all the years I knew him, and he got that idea from another rider who did it. I also heard some used electrical tape but I wouldn't advise it, it doesn't stick as well, leaves a goo behind, and will stretch when the tube gets pressurized. I carry a bit of duct tape with me when I ride, in a pinch I could cut off a small strip and use it to cover a hole or two or more if I ever did have a strip issue. The only time I ever had a strip issue is when I waited too many years before replacing it, I had a flat on the road once after a 12 year old strip failed in one section...duct tape to the rescue. A lot of LBS mechanics recommend changing the tape with every new tire, that's just plain nuts and a waste of money.
