That's pretty much the same process I go through, and yeah it does eat up a good bit of time, but IMO it's completely worth it.

 

I'm currently running B.F. Goodrich ATs (or is it TA??) They have a little bit more aggressive tread but that is what I need to get around when the weather takes a $hit... I think they are pretty smooth ridding, quiet running, and long wearing tires, and they don't cost an arm and a leg!

 

I have some dunlap's and I liked the OEM Michielins better. Of couse the Dunlaps are about 40% cheaper. But I would say the Dunlaps provide a good value. A happy medium between economical and performance.