I ride front-fenderless all winter. My commute is only 3.8 miles each way, however. I wear boots on wet days. Black jeans are best at hiding the road grime.

If your commute is much longer, you may want to get a full fender set.

Oh, and the bit about the spray hitting the frame, yes it hits the frame and then deflects off the downtube onto both of your feet. When you turn it sprays right in your face.