I never used the choke on my ST1100 here in Brisvegas.
I'd also agree that Premium fuel does not improve economy or power, and if'you're still getting pinging using it, then you need to check you plugs or your timing.
Regarding BP fuel, a lot of knowledgable riders I know will only use BP. It's always the most expensive, so I tend to use Shell. FWIW, 7-Eleven are supplied by Shell (here, anyway), and it can be cheaper there than anywhere else.
I do use Premium in the ST1300 (often cringing at the $1.64/litre they steal) but mainly because it's a fairly new bike and the manual says to use it. The ST1100 had 134,000 kays on it when I sold it, of which I rode 42,200.