You may find that some dehumidification is necessary as the cabin warms up in colder weather. You can simply reconnect the compressor if you needed to.
Clear windows are a safety concern. You have to be able to see around you.
I don't think that by disabling the compressor that you will significantly give it a much longer life. Compressors should generally last the life of the vehicle, but I agree that any A/C service is expensive if they have to reclaim and open the system.
Radiator cooling fans used to run as the vehicle warmed in cool, damp weather so that owners wouldn't see steam rising from the grille. For many, the first thought was overheating. You wouldn't see the steam with the fan on. Like the running compressor, it's in the control software and can't be changed. The controls are smart enough not to run the compressor in freezing cold ambient temperatures that could harm it.