I do not know what you are trying to say with your example dirtydude, going down steep hills is better in 4x4 because you can use your front wheels for engine braking rather than just locking everything up with the brakes and sliding where ever the hill takes you. I acknowedge 4x4 is best for down hills and have done it both ways, I just usually don't for the challange. I go down hills as steep as they come.

 

guess I'm saying sometimes you just gotta let the tires roll to catch up to the quad. Guess I'm not a talented writer that can paint a picture with words, I just know that coming down in 4x4 locked limits your options (unless you have a single brake lever system???)