With the unfortunate result being that your new tire is now just as worn as your other three tires. Not an issue if the flat is relatively new, but it get worse the older your other three tires are.

I don't have awd, so I usually just replace two tires and get em rotated as needed instead. It feels like the best middle ground available to me.

Never heard about that but it makes total sense. If I cut a single tire I will go that route, thank you!