Wouldn't going down to a narrower tire help FE quite a bit? Since you are going to run higher pressures a narrow tire won't roll over when cornering hard and will clear water much better than a wider tire.
I've gone to a much narrower snow tire and I haven't found a downside yet except the tires do feel a bit sloppy on dry pavement but I don't mind. If I want sharp handling I can put my autocross tires on during summer....
Ian
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