Before even contemplating the situations in question I carry with me a phrase once seen.... Don't be judgemental on anyone for you know not what battles they may have faced just to get up in the morning..... so very true.
The forums mentioned and the recent incident on the BBC, certainly demonstrate a complete lack of knowledge of hill walking, weather, or common sense for that matter. Regarding the weather and the responses slating them for going out in such obviously forecast conditions !!!! The weather can vary so much and sometimes within a few yards, wind can go from 60mph to nothing, or vice versa. But enough on the armchair warriors wanting Insurance for this sport, when no one involved in the sport wants it, so in answer to them, it doesn't impact you so stay out !
As for leaving my dog. I have been in the situation twice where one of my Springers went missing. The first on a clear day, followed by 4 days of searching, together with help from some terrific and like minded folk. The second time in local woods, where we believe he must have been snatched, given his close proximity (albeit out of sight) to us, and his inability to run due to age, but I digress. Both incidents were heart wrenching
So many factors would affect any decision on a mountain, but I can only comment on what I would hope to do. I cannot imagine a situation where I would have left my dog, although I accept that there could be situations that would necessitate it in others eyes. For me personally I would either try and carry my dog off the hill, something I could have managed with Holly (my Springer bitch), but not so easily with Sam, he was considerably heavier. I would seek shelter, or manufacture it, snow coffin or such like. But I honestly don't think I could have left her or him, even at cost to myself. The same would apply to anyone I was walking with, I would die trying.
For fear of sounding bold, over brave or even dare I say heroic, it comes from a sense of being at home in the mountains, whilst acknowledging I'm not invincible (at least not like I thought when I was a lot younger) and no doubt in no small part to how one values their own life. I don't value mine as I did, or maybe should, at least not over that of friends or dogs.
That comes from a sense of how one feels about themselves and reflects on my opening paragraph.