As far as wheel prices go... I'm not sure in the Focus world. I got a set of used 96 cobra wheels for 400. Was in the process of upgrading to 17x9's all around (Cobra R's from www.gefracing.com for 140 each). They don't have foci wheels listed on their web page, but you might give them a call. They have REALLY good prices on wheels from Ford Racing.

Kumo makes both v700's in 225/45/17.

I'd recommend having either size shaved. You would think it would reduce their lifespan, but does exactly the opposite in my experience. They last longer with less tread. (When there is more rubber, the movement of the tread block generates more heat and the tire gets hotter (and thus softer) and wear quicker AND they tend to wear heavily with tall tread as the tread blocks roll over at the circumfrential grooves)..

If you want to see, I've got a sliced tire that wasn't shaved that is half worn that shows what I'm talking about.