Maxxis
My first trail tyre I was happy with was Maxxis Advantage 2.4", 42a compound on the front with a Maxxis Larsen TT or Crossmark 2.35", 60a compound on the rear. I had a similar issue with sidewalls wearing and getting a bit more tyre roll which ended up with a flat occasionally. Also checked air pressure prior to each ride.
Schwalbe
After some good reviews on the Schwalbe tyres I tried out the Hans Dampf 2.35" Trailstar on the front and rear, until they released the Rock Razor 2.35 pace star compound which i put on the rear. (looked like a burlier Maxxis Larsen).
After ripping off a few side knobs on the front Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyre in their middle 'trail star compound' I went to their 'pace star compound' for both front and rear. Never had another issue with the side knobs, but didn't quite feel the soft grip I'd prefer.
Schwalbe Rock Razor had good rolling speed and also had nice grip which was like the best of both worlds, tubeless for me was a no go. Flat galore when it started to wear down, due to the small knobs compared to normal, they do wear quicker. Tried tubes and although it was better, still received some flats on the rougher rocky terrain.
Also the price of a tyre is roughly 1.5x the price of a Maxxis, but I found the DH tyres last longer than Maxxis but trail tyres are about even with Maxxis wear time.
Currently running Onza.
I've got the Onza Ibex FRC RC2 Folding 60TPI in 2.25" (2.35" equivalent to maxxis) on the front and rear on the trail bike and they're the Gumwall sidewalls which look schmick!!!
I've had them for a while now and they feel pretty darn excellent, rolling isn't the same as a Rock Razor or Larsen/Crossmark but they're still quite good for the chunky tread they have. Sidewalls are holding up really well to my abuse and they seem to wear quite well... The rubber compound I think is spot on for me and the trails I ride (mainly loose over hard pack with a few rocky trails), they don't squirm and have a good rebound property in the combo I'm running above. So far so good!
I even got a pair of the DH compound Onza Ibex version and 2.4" width, and have a set of their Citius tyres I'm trying first.
All though that's my experience with some tyres, hopefully that gives you a bit of an idea.
Cheers