Im in a cold climate, and after winching in -20 below weather and having to man handle the wire back on to the drum for a clean roll-up, im definately switching to synthetic. If you are in the recovery industry im certain wire is much more desireable since you have much more frequent use, but for us weekend warriors synthetic makes perfect sense. Just use a line protector and watch what you dragg your rope across.
Im gonna go the amsteal blue route, ORO X line looks sweet but its big $$.
i live in a cold climate also and ill take steel. since i don't use the cable much i know that the steel is proven for long term use while i still have reservations on the long lasting durability of the rope. i can always do a nice roll up a ferws days later if needed.
Drew