Hey, muddy:
I'm here outside of Boston, riding roads that aren't always well paved. I've decided the Nokian 294s are overkill for me. I've got the mount and grounds for about half the price and they are just right to give me confidence and grip. Mostly the roads are clear with some junk coming in from the sides and some days there's a good patch of black ice here and there. I feel more comfortable on my bike than on my shoes in those places. Having fallen in dry conditions in the summer, I was happy to spend the green not to fall on ice in winter. I'd say go for the studs.