When it comes to winter riding you have to accept the fact that once in a while you will go down hard. That can be greatly reduced with low tire pressures and studded tires but not entirely eliminated. If taking a digger once in a while is okay, then go for it. Your tolerance for falling determines what tires you will tolerate. Falls on snow and ice happen with lightening speed. The deductibles are way more than high quality studded tires.
I needed to learn the hard way with a slick frozen puddle under fresh fluffy snow. I have full 4.8" studded tires but wet heavy slushy snow is still asking for a fall so I avoid that condition.