I don't even need to read the rest of the thread to know everyone thinks Cold Tech was a horrible idea.
They're wrong, and you're right, for all the reasons you stated.
You'd think people would have simply adapted instead of bitching, but oh no, winter maps can't actually be, you know, WINTER maps. All environmental factors must go, all units should be mirrors of each other, and this should be like LoL or Starcraft.
this is the only game i can think of where "winter" means gameplay impacts. i mean, your units don't get dehydrated in summer because it's hot out and we want to make summer special or all dirt is mud in fall because it's raining a bunch and we want to make fall special.
i actually like the idea of having various gameplay mechanics on different maps but the current coldtech system is not a benefit to coh2's competitive gameplay.