winter tire xover danger in using 225\55\16 on Back 215\55\16 front? arctic alpins

And the tire guy wouldn't touch my wheels since I am running two different sizes, he acted like I was seriously taking my life in my own hands.
I always thought having a little smaller front tire helped the vehicle track in snow..
So my question is this, Am I really putting me\my car in danger or was this guy just trying to sell me four tires rather than the lowly two that I was purchasing??
The two 225\55\16 michelin arctic alpin that I put on the back cost me $300 M&B.
I can't see spending an extra 300 for nothing as the 215\55\16 are in pretty good shape (also michelin arctic alpin), but I will do it if there is actually some danger involved in running two different sizes like this.
I am a wheel newb and would appriciate any input.
Thanks,
Tal

Sounds like you didnt go to Discount Tire :D (Shameless plug) But on topic. There is nothing wrong with that. Take your business elsewhere.

That's what I thought.
Dang Sears.
They were the only place that had the michelin alpin.
it's probably better that they never touched my car anyway.
Thanks,
Tal

If you are going to drive your car in the snow your best bet is FOUR winter tires.

Appears he will end up with TWO 215's in the front and TWO 225's in the back, all Arctic Alpins = FOUR winter tires. I can't see any problems with the small size difference, front to rear, particularly with them all being the same basic tire.