Spacesaver spare - really an issue?

[allanv6gt]

Just after some opinionsd re standard spacesaver spare.
Looking for some feedback from both city and country drivers.

Is the spacesaver limited to very low distances ? (I'm aware of speed caps)
Have people been caught out a long way from home with the spacesaver running out of distance?
Have people replaced the spacesaver with a normal wheel/tyre combo ? Issues?

Thanks everyone. Some very positive comments on this list.