I've been riding studs front and rear this winter and I concur. In those cases where I have skidded the front - I still did not go down, as the studs provide sufficient grab to recover. I had a close call negotiating a fast turn last week though - came within 6 inches of wiping out in a pine tree on the outside curve of a path. I was able to straighten out of my sideways slide with only inches to spare - I had forgotten the rule when cornering on ice - no leaning!
I have observed many who ride in Calgary winter without studs - but I definitely think the added rolling resistance is worth the peace of mind.
<edit> your post encouraged me to stick with the studded MTB for a while before switching to the slick hybrid - thanks