What do you mean about "picking up less crap"? In any case, that has nothing at all to do with speed rating. V-rated ZE-512s in 205/55 are only $280 shipped for 4 from Discount Tire Direct, btw.
Read the FAQ about tires. Everything you've looked at so far is lousy in the snow. Assuming you don't need a snow tire, for $300 shipped you can get the Kumho SPT, which will be well worth the extra couple bucks over the ASX. It's a whole different class of sticky.
