I agree that truggy tires are pricey as hell. I have a hard time buying from my LHS at $40 a pair but if I need them to run up front, then most of the time I can find a way to justify it. Wife may not always agree
But keep an eye out on E-bay. You can score some gonga deals. I picked up a full set of premount M3 Holeshots for $50 shipped. Sometimes you can find some really good deals there.
And check out the manufacturers sites. AKA and JC have closeout sales about once every 2 months. I picked up some a full set of Hybrids ( no wheels) and a full mounted set of Stackers for $50 shipped as well.
The deals are out there, you just got to find them.