Very similar to many people's conception that because 4-wheel drive gets them going faster in slick conditions, that it also means they can stop faster.
My response is always, "All cars have 4-wheel brakes".
It enables you to get really, really stuck farther from civilization.
When you finally 'break loose' on ice, you are really in trouble.
D@mned things tip over far too easily (8^D).
(Note, these are older models, with buckboard hard suspensions and manual transmissions/transfer cases, not the computerized rides of today).
Used properly, yes, they are a great tool, but they are not the invincible conquerors of the off-road many fantasize about.