The best price I could get, including tax and install, on the Goodyears was around $1,450. I was $1,250 out the door on the KO2s from a tire shop I like locally. Maybe next time around will line up with better incentives on the Goodyears and I'll give them a shot.The load range C KO2's cost $17 more (each) than the Goodyears on TireRack.
Balance should only be thrown off if you added weight that was asymmetric. If the weight is spread evenly then it will not change the balance. I just had mine done without the rings, I put them back on after, and it is smooth as glass at any reasonable highway speed.Weight is weight regardless of symmetry. Discount balanced them without the rings and nuts and when I drove it, it was unbearable. Made a u-turn and they rebalanced them with the rings and nuts and they were about a 1/4 ounce off on every wheel from the previous balance.