Since you're already running Armadillos, I don't see any point to getting Gatorskins or Marathons. Tread can be helpful with loose snow/slush, but doesn't actually help with ice or rainy conditions.

I'm not seeing a point to flat bars. If you want to be seen, get good lights, wear high-vis stuff, and assertively take the lane. Using a different stem for more of an upright posture would be a good idea, but flat bars suck for riding IMO.

- Scott