Yeah, running the soft tires won't last.
I'm only guessing, but if you don't have the long stud, it will rip the lugs off. Running anything .75" or shorter is bad news.
We have the XC kutters. Both Dustin and I ran 3 classes, 7 weekends and then a few random night races in Michigan. The 21" tire has held up longer.
You definitely HAVE to be checking your studs after riding with them. They like to turn out so they require constant maintenance. If the stud starts to turn out and you don't fix it, it puts a lot of stress on the lug.
Get your tires early, put them up in your attic over the summer and they will bake. This hardens them, then you put the studs in and run.
If you want more help, send me a pm closer to winter time and I'll set you up with some good tips.
And damn screaminshee, we're not unbeatable, haha. I like the compliments but I'm just glad I didn't have to race against Dustin with him being on the hybrid....then my record against him would still be 0-100. The machine makes a HUGE difference.