I'm thinking I'd like to put some all seasons on my '04 and am curious about which direction to go.

Here in Nashville we don't get much snow but do get some ice. I don't think I need Blizzaks or a dedicated snow tire but would like something that offers more grip than the Re05s I have on there now.

I'm looking at the Continental ExtremeContact DWS in stock sizes but are wondering if the Snow part (they make just DW's) is necessarily as we aren't really blanketed all that often.

From those with some experience, is it worth sacrificing some dry traction (a majority of winter here) by going to narrower tires for better bad weather traction?

I'm also hoping someone has tread width info as I'd like to keep the stock stagger.

Any help is much appreciated, I really want to enjoy my S as much as I can as soon as I can

 

Don't think of the tires as snow tires. Think of them as winter tires. If you get temps below 45 then the winter tires would be the best option unless you are going to not switch them. If you are going with one set of tires a tire like the DWS would be a good option.
If I can help with the tires let me know.