Update:

After much back and forth, I was able to return the entire original winter wheel/tire package (Alpin PA4's paired with cheap Chinese Motegis). It took an entire year, and a complaint with the BBB, to get them to see eye to eye.

Fast-forward to now, I was still in need of a properly functioning winter wheel/tire setup. I decided to go with Michelin, again, only this time with some better wheels. I did drop down 1" to 17's. I went with OZ's and the new X-Ice Snow, symmetrical.

Happy to report that this particular setup does not seem to exhibit whatever I was experiencing with the last. Also, as far as noise and comfort, I think they're almost identical to the "ultra-high performance" Alpin PA4's. I don't particularly care about the handling aspect in the winter.

I'll likely never go with a "high-performance" winter again, and definitely won't be trying to skimp on wheels either. I highly recommend this setup for anyone with a 3IS. All the traction of Blizzak's with the comfort you'd expect from a Lexus.

Cheers.