4X2 or 4X4 for towing and general use...what say you?

Ben, you bring up some good points about the "modern" highly sophisticated computerized 4X4 vehicles.
Those points are exactly why my truck is a 1999 model. It does have the disconnect on the right front axle shaft, but that is a minor annoyance.

Actually, I was shopping for an early 90s truck, but this is what I found.

the front bumper/grill guard was a major selling point....