Actually, my friends in Fairbanks are starting to consider studs after years of studless-tire driving.  Seems they are beginning to see the freeze-thaw-freezing rain conditions we deal with constantly in Anchorage. I've been driving in Anchorage for 44 years, and seldom have I not had studded tires on my vehicles during the winter season.  All the defensive driving techniques you mentioned need to be employed, but sooner or later you'll encounter some situation where studs make all the difference.