True, AWD only helps you to get going and, to a lesser extent, maintain speed in bad conditions. It won't make up for poor drivers.
The next best choice is FWD like your Accord (and most Hondas).
It's true that some traction control and AWD systems will apply the brakes (or electronically alter it with the differentials) to apply more power to the wheel(s) with grip, but many FWD cars w/ TC are only set up to cut the fuel, air&fuel, or in fewer cases just spark, to prevent excessive wheel spin.
With simpler systems like that, the driver is more than capable of doing the same job but the TC allows you to keep it floored w/out digging yourself deeper into the snow, etc. (if all goes according to plan)
I've driven cars with TC but never owned one, my current car has ABS but that's it. Most of my experience on ice and snow has been in cars without any driver-aids, some with good tires and several with almost, or entirely, bald tires.
IMO all you'll really need in most conditions is a decent set of all weather tires and a properly maintained vehicle. If you've got those, your main concern is other drivers
