Well, yes, you see those people in ditches because they drive like azzholes. Just because you have AWD or 4 WD doesn't give you the ability to 80 mph in a blizzard.
I am surprised at the vehemence against AWD. My car is 8 years old and I have never had to do any more maintenance than whatever is routine. I guess my mpg is a bit less than the rear wheel drive version of my car, but I gladly put up with that by driving less and riding my bike. My car also has some special hill descending features, that I switch on when my driveway is full of ice... it allows you to take your foot off of the gas and the car actually controls the speed/braking without you doing anything but steering.
My first drive in real snow was in a stick shift front wheel drive car. I had to descend a huge hill, with my 6 year old in the back seat. I fish tailed all way down, skidded, and then had to drive up my street (another huge hill, not the one I live on now). My car just kept sliding backwards, into a main street. I actually let a strange man get in the car and drive me up the street, as this was before cell phones. This was pretty traumatizing to me; I went out and got my first 4 WD car by the end of the week. Maybe I'm not as tough as some of you guys, because when it's really bad out, I don't go anywhere.