So I returned the tires, got a refund.
Went to local Goodyear dealer who normally deals with commercial trucks, but I've bought there before and all the local dealers are owned by the same company anyhow, so deal from the same warehousing.
My first 2 choices went into their warehouse in 2017, finally settled on a set of Kelly Winter Access made in 2019. After fees and taxes it's under $500, so decent deal. Rubber still feels normal and soft. I still have to wait to get my 2024 Goodyear rebates which are always late to hopefully get another $200 rebate coupon I can apply.
Anyhow, they look alright, put them on my old VDC rims.