Yikes, that's like not going outside because you don't want to get hit by a car crossing the street. You've had your hits, Russ - I doubt more are lined up for you.
I don't think any one way of owning these cars is 'better'. I just know I can't live without a deuce for 6 whole, long, agonizing months - that's something I just scratch my head on, too crazy for me. I'd experience withdrawal symptoms. Hear my logic for a sec.
One of the [several] reasons I moved to Vancouver is because of the lack of snow - that means year round driving. It snowed here for 3 days straight just like everywhere else in the Lower Mainland. Result? No snow here (except on the lawns), no slush and very little salt because Vancouver doesn't have a huge salt budget to begin with. The main roads and 90% of side roads have been dry and clear here all through the mayhem everyone else is experiencing. I've been out in it the entire time, I don't know where this talk of bad conditions for 6 months comes from.
On top of that, it's been sunny the last several days, you guys are missing out on some great driving weather - I'm not. I even had my window down this afternoon and my sunroof popped-up blasting my subs until my teeth shook. More than that, it gives me more experience on driving my car. Add 6 months to every year I've been doing this, roughly since '99, and I've got literally years & years more driving pleasure/experience in my SW20 than most of you guys. I feel sorry for ya, 'cuz ya see - I'm out in that great summer weather too, just like you.