Realistic is right. The tow certainly wouldn't be free even if the "fix" was.
I don't understand how people are able to get 04-06 HL's without VSC. Ours is a total base model, with roof rails and that's it. But we still have it.
edmunds says it's standard for the I4 base here:
2004 Toyota Highlander car safety at Edmunds
Perhaps is the part of the country I live in? It's somewhat helpful, it does come on during questionably fast turns the snow, and then starts beeping at me. I had Duellers with 3/32 of tread on the back two tires, so it didn't do much for me. The back end would kick out pretty easily if you tried. Next winter with all new tires we'll see.