It also helps that my situtation puts me at the 15% federal tax rate right now (four kids, mortgage, etc.). If I were at 3X%, it might be harder to justify paying tax now vs. later.

This, to me, is the key and, so long as you remain in the 15% tax bracket with the conversions, I think you made the right decision. Going into the 25% tax bracket makes it more of a crap shoot with the odds going to the house IMHO.

-murray