Hey Woody,
Are those BFG G Force Tires the rain tires? I had those on my VX for a while and found my VX would "crab" alot around corners and while turning at speed. Does yours do this?
Also, you probably could get away with 285s, but I would imaging you would need to trim a little at least.
As for the attitude on this forum, I would say it is the best forum I've ever been part of. Some people might want to rattle your chain now and then, but just hang around for a while and you will get to know everyone.
Bart