Do tire chains stay on all winter? And how do you know which pair of chains are easier to put on than others? I will certainly try your THING 2. I think I have a very healthy respect for snow and snow's effect on driving conditions, but it's always one thing to hypothetically understand and another to viscerally understand. And hopefully, as for THING 3, I'm considering working at a ski resort that will provide cheap housing and public transportation just because of the security in knowing that I won't have to rely on my car day in and day out.
Tire chains come off as soon as you see pavement. They also don't go faster than 30-40mph. They are to get you through snow and nothing else. You know which chains are easier to put on because it says on the box. Last thing: AWD helps you go faster in shitty conditions. It does nothing to make you stop faster. God speed.