The only other thing I may do is just go and buy Michelin MXV4 instead of designated winter tires. How to these tires handle in the snow/ice covered streets? Looks like I can get a set of these installed with tire certs for about $650.
Two winters ago, when my previous snow tires were shot, I went for a winter on a brand new set of Michelin Primacy MXV4's. I was amazed. They were really good! The old 'all-season' MXV4+'s that came on my Mk4 Golf were awful in the snow. They were made for low rolling resistance and handling, so they had a continuous rubber strip, and had less siping. The new Primacies do not have continuous tread strips -- they are all divided/siped. This makes for better traction. However, they have a bit more rolling resistance (down 1-2mpg on the Golf) and felt a little more 'floaty', especially on grooved pavement or metal bridge decking. But that's the trade-off for improved traction. I was surprised at how well they did in snow....and that was after 5 seasons on a set of Dunlop Wintersports. With the new Primacies, I didn't feel I wanted snow tires. How they do as they wear, though, I don't know.
I now have Continental ExtremeWinterContacts on my JSW. When I did my research on them last year, they seemed similar in reviews to the X-Ice. I love my Contis better than the Dunlops -- the Dunlops made more noise and were squrimy. These Contis, though......I can't tell the difference between them and an all-season in terms of ride/performance! They're quiet, less squirmy, etc. I would expect the X-Ices to be similar. I'd buy the X-Ices if I wanted good overall ride and good general snow/slick conditions. I'd buy the Blizzaks if I was more interested in the deep-snow performance.
The Generals are well loved around here, though, and look to be a great value.