To answer the question about noise, the ko2s are very quiet for at tires. The only extra noise I hear is from the engine since the transmission is a little slower to shift during acceleration. But at 313000 miles and with a k&n cold air intake my rig is a little louder than most.
Going from stock size p rated tires to the 10ply 33 inch bfgd has been better then expected. The bfgs are a little higher, louder, and firmer, and have a little more wandering on the highway compared to the ltx tires. However, the truck corners much flatter, and has much better performance on ice, packed snow and deep snow.
I haven't been off road yet, but stone retention isn't bad on gravel.
The tread definitely looks better/more aggressive in person than in some photos.
The duratracs have good reviews, but Canadian tire stores rate the ko2 higher for winter and wet conditions. The duratracs have more void space, so they're probably less likely to hydroplane, but they get really poor wet grip scores in Europe. The older BFG KO rated A, nokian rotiiva and cooper at3 (LT spec) are rated B, and the duratracs are I think a G, which is the lowest score given.