Having control? Are you claiming to be faster reacting then the onboard systems? Not trying to cut you, just making a point...only takes a split second to slap a guardrail in a wet corner...kinda like back in a day when auto trans were becoming popular on the strip and those who could shift a 4 ( yes i said 4 speed) were always commented on about almost shifting as fast as a auto.....
If youve read Hypers comments elsewhere on this site where he tried..TRIED to play in the snow and the onboard system would not allow it.....BUT..if youre just wanting to switch off to have some fun....hold the TC button in for 10 sec's untill you see ESC OFF lite flash. And yes, this can be done while in motion.......

 

Can't speak for gfrfan but at times, yes, if you are in tune with your car and not near the absolute limit in rain/snow. Normally if you're in that position, not even F1 technology is going to stop you from spinning into a guardrail.

Earlier this week, I almost bought a new rim because ESC kicked in - after I made the appropriate correction. I was making a right turn when I must have ran over some hardened snow/ice on the road. I felt the rear of the car unload and turned the wheel to the left to counter the ensuing slide. Low and behold the left front brake kicked in and shot the car, with my wheel input to the left - towards a median.

Fortunately, I realized what happened quick enough and turned the wheel to the right. It was one of the few times I drove with the ESC on in the snow and will be the last. Owning a SS on stock tires, the only problem I have is when I get high centered.

As for your comparison of shift times of an auto vs 4sp. If we are talking a stock tranny, no shift kit, valve body mods, etc - I like my chances. You're talking, what, 2 tenths of a second or so of total operation time in an auto? After the tranny mods in a Chevelle I used to drag race? No way am I faster than that.

 

Yeah, theres a learning curve with a front drive car....especially when loaded with" I can't drive" safeguards....
I figured there was a story behind the question...but there are others that might not understand and follow suit without realising the results, meaning those that don't have the experience 'sliding; around' who NEED those 'parential' controls...
Personally I',m with you, rather have a rear drive and drive out of it,as has been done so many times, even though some of those times was from not driving correctly.It will take a few miles before the reactions required for front drive kick in naturally.Pretty soon the talk about rear wheel drive will go the way of 33 1/3 albums...you'll just get a blank stare