I have read as much as I can find on winter tires, but would like some specific recommendations based on where I live -

I am in NC, and going to use the 03 s2ki I buy today (to replace my missed 01) as my daily driver, in any and all weather. I am not in the mountains, but in the triangle area, mostly gentle slopes or flat.

We have some snows, usually not too deep, but do get freezing rain, slush, ice, and 1-4 inch snows. I grew up in the northeast and spent time in Wisconsin and Canada driving in really crappy weather, so to be honest, I am more worried about the fools in the SUVs who think they can go anywhere at any speed... but I digress.

The WS50s seem to be best for snow and ice (studded tires even better, but we won't go there). The LM22 and Dunlop M2s better for cold weather dry/rain, and perhaps light snow.... but are they good enough to get folks through almost (almost) anything, excluding really deep stuff, or horrible ice?

I am leaning toward the M2s as they are on sale, but price is not an issue if there is a clearly superior tire for the conditions in which I'll drive.

All opinions appreciated.

 

The WS50s will be your most aggressive snow tire but they will also be "spongy" if you drive on dry roads at speed. Cornering will suffer if you go too fast.
The LM22s are a good compromise between snow traction and high speed stability but in really deep snow, you will need to have some patience.
Another very good compromise would be the Michelin Arctic Alpin series. These seem to have very good deep snow and ice traction combined with some good high speed dry road performance.
Having said that, if the LM22's are on sale, you can't go wrong with them. A couple of local guys here drive on these all winter.

 

Thanks