I would use it mainly for slow speed crawling when needed. AWD is better for snow and icy roads than 4wd anyway. Wish I had the Traction control option... oh that s another thread
well, if the gear selector is in 1 or 2, you get the 50/50 split. i can't see you rock crawling in "D". but then 50/50 isn't locked 4wd either.
i wonder if you can trick the tcu(?) into thinking you are in 1 or 2 when you are in fact in D or 3. this would give 50/50 in the snow for instance with out having to shift into 1 or 2. a plus in bad conditions, and it would engage before the wheels slipped. subaru has decided that either we don't need this advantage or it's not good for the car/trans.
i posted in another thread that when you select "2" you can feel the AWD engage an instant after you start rolling (slight uphill is most noticeable). you can feel a substialtial load being put on the drive train. this would imply less effeicent operation, but if you need 4wd, go for it.