My Brother always said 4WD will get you about twice as far from civilization before you get stuck.
At the time he had a mid '70's long wheelbase 4WD Chevy with 350, automatic and 6" skinny mudgrip tires.
If/when he got stuck, it usually required the D7 to retreive the truck.
I heard this a lot growing up.
4wd has kept me from spending the night/walking out
Don’t do stupid things and it can be a lifesaver