I agree, but you also live in an area where snow and ice are common. In parts of the US studs are not allowed. Chains are used by some as an inexpensive temporary traction aid that can be moved from vehicle to vehicle and easily removed when road conditions return to normal - usually only a matter of hours or a few days at most. In some areas, folks keep winter tires (some with studs) on a spare set of wheels and run them all winter, regardless of conditions, but most do not and many rely on chains for emergency use.

As usual, local conditions generate solutions that are ideal for an area, but may not be practical for others even though the solution works better - necessity being the mother of invention.

Frank