What really hurt is what John and I touched on in the Tn Valley sub, The Western Ridge has nearly broke down and is displaced too far West . Models originally had that centered over the Rockies. That allows this System to climb further North than it would have west of us. If snow pack existed to our North the Baroclinic Zone would set up further South and the Storm would probably travel farther south and we'd still got hit as well. So, couple flaws fouled us up with this one.
I'm with you in still being hopefull.. Just not as enthusiastic of an old fashioned January, Winterwise, as I was.