Goodyear has had their share of quality control problems, deaths, lawsuits, etc. Cooper, Dunlop, Firestone/Bridgestone, General, Michelin, Good rich, and Uniroyal, like Goodyear, have all had recalls in recent years due to tread separation/safety isues. Most of those "extras" you mention are available with any decent tire for a fee. I encourage Rangermaniac to go to Tirerack.com and compare tires of differing brands and read user reviews.

I don't speak as a salesman, or due to brand loyalty I speak from mine and others experience with these tires on Jeeps on and off road. He wants a tire good for mild off roading, rain, and snow on the road. Though I have no experience driving in snow, I suspect there are certain similarities to driving in mud or on very slick clay which I do have experience with.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />