FWD is just fine in most winter driving scenarios, you even agreed to that. You stated you have a steep driveway, which means you’re a more likely candidate for awd/4WD. Most people don’t have steep driveways. Most people who regularly drive in wintry weather don’t need awd/4WD, which is why so many people skip awd/4WD if the vehicle is already FWD.I'm surprised because taking the position that AWD isn't a significant benefit in real, sustained/severe winter conditions is bonkers.
"Often". "Most". - I agree. My concern is the admittedly small number of times per year when FWD just won't cut it.
I've driven a FWD car with a 3.8 V6 in the winter with snow (not M+S) tires. It was a nightmare trying to get up my steep driveway when it was slick. No such troubles with AWD/4WD.
RWD vehicles is another story. Awd/4WD in a longitudinal drivetrain setup is much more desirable in winter weather.