I like riding on quiet, low traffic, country lanes - the kind that don't get gritted and don't even get much motor traffic to help clear ice. As I've got older (and had a growing number of club-mates go over on black ice and break bones) I've felt less and less comfortable in going out in icy conditions. I remember years ago doing a mid-winter, sub-zero, 40 mile journey where at least 2/3rds of the roads were sheet ice, I made it around by being very cautious and it was quite thrilling, but these days the thought of such a venture scares me to death. I know I could stick to the main roads but I wouldn't enjoy that so much, plus I have to get to the main roads in the first place. I'm sure that until I got my studded tyres that every other time I felt like a winter ride I changed my mind because of the worry about black ice patches. Even when I did go out (pre-studs) I didn't enjoy it as much as I ought to have because of the worry about ice.
So I don't see it as £70 spent on a pair of tyres, rather £70 spent to allow me to ride happily when and where I want throughout a 1/4 of the year. Sure, the problem might have been as much in my head as on the road, but the studs fixed it and for that I think that they are a bargain.
They are slow and heavy, but as I pootle that doesn't make too much difference. As for handling on dry, ice-free roads - never had a problem.