http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2006/08/killer-abs-abs-braking-increases-rollover-risk-by-51/
You sure this source is reliable? This article is from 2006. I don't believe no ABS is better in the snow than ABS, at least not on a new car. FWIW, snow tires without ABS would definitely be better...
Another vote for belt. You can rub bar soap on the inside, which will temporarily stop the squealing (and most importantly tell you whether it is the belt or not). The problem is usually related to the tensioner.
Another thanks to pb4ugotobed. Kind of. I was too lazy and too confused to get the whole AC controller out, so I only cleaned the connection in the fan speed switch (which if you remove the radio you can just reach in from on top and unplug), didn't touch the fan selector switch. All I can say...
My to do list on my stock '03:
VTCS removal, and clean EGR and put thread lock on VICS screws while I'm in there
new shifter bushings
fix ac flickering on fan speeds 2 and 3
new antenna
maybe replace trans fluid
edit: also replace wiper stalk with one from a few models (MPV, certain years...
I don't know if better feel will tell you anything. I went in for safety inspection once and they said one was rubbing (couldn't tell, honestly didn't believe them until a second shop said the same)- when it got replaced I thought the feel got worse.
I don't know if you're as dumb as me, but I went like 3 months with dim IC lights before realizing there's a little dial near the left knee area to adjust.
First post btw. Hi y'all!