My take is that the operational runs will continue to look bleak until around the first and then suddenly start looking better. And it won't be just the elusive 15 day that looks better, but closer in like the 7 - 10 day. Of course that still doesn't mean it will snow, but at least that would give something for the frustrated to do.
As a side note, that January 7 storm might be something worth watching. Even a 1-3" event would be nice to see.