https://toptirereview.com/michelin-x-ice-snow-vs-michelin-cr...
In this test, the CrossClimate all seasons were within 10% of the snow performance of the X-Ice snow tires.
Most people I know who have snow tires opt for a second set of (typically cheap) rims, and the wheel set comes mounted and balanced. In my case, I change them out when needed, otherwise if I'm scheduled for something like an oil change, I just toss them in the car and have the shop do it.
They are always marked with chalk for which one is which (i.e., right, left, front, back).
Ya. They are the bare minimum to qualify for that label. They are essentially the worse snow tires that can still be called snow tires. It's all marketing hype, which becomes dangerous when stupid people rely upon it to make safety decisions.