Thank you, Jenni NZ, Mainelady, La Pedestrienne, Suz, K.M., Smittie, Isabel, binkle, Suz (again!) and Jane. (And also, Janet, JAileen, gryffin, and Joy )
Many of your comments duplicate thoughts that have been rattling around in my head and I appreciate the opportunity for validation on these points and for the new viewpoints that have been shared. After further reflection, I've ordered the EB boots to try. I did look around for black on black LL Bean boots with the shearling like La Pedestrienne mentions--I saw those last year and failed to pull the trigger (and it does make a lot of sense to stay with tried-and-true and to support LL Bean)--but, LL Bean does not have a color I like this year AND the gum sole tends to put me off the look, a bit. I prefer the dark sole of the EB boots.
I'm just not sure about the general stompiness and about the extra buckle on the UGGS. They are cute, though, and would fill a different wardrobe need for colder and snowy weather. I was kinda hoping to get a ridiculously gear-y pair of colorful and furry Sorels to celebrate our few snowy days, but the UGGS would be another possibility and would have more opportunities for wear than the over-the-top Sorels. I've been eyeing.