The answer you get generally depends what part of the country the person replying lives in.
As for me, I live in NE England and 300m above sea level, so if it's gonna snow, I'll get it.
Not only that but my narrow street with tall buildings gets little or no light in winter, so any hard packed snow or ice can lie for a long time. It's worth it for me having the control and confidence that M&S tyres bring, as I am also in a very hilly area.
This year I have bought Nankang SV2 (not come yet) purely on price and the fact that some people like Andrew have tried and tested them on the Golf. I won't be taking my car out in heavy snow as too low and barely gets on the drive as it is, but there for when temps are way down and there's a bit slush left over. £350 for some 17s with new tyres that'll do me four years is great value I think.
On my last car before I put on GTI brakes, I had some Continental and Dunlop 15s, they were tremendous tyres, still usable above 7C, but in 17/18" sizes they are extortianate. Still make use of them on the wife's SEAT.