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We have the same problem in Sweden, salt on the major roads and gravel on the smaller roads.
I have been lucky the past two winters and not had any problems. The winter before I changed the screen about this time of year, then a week later a chip, luckily it was repairable and I didn't need a new screen.
I suppose you'll never really know about a deflector as a determined stone will get through, but it could certainly help with some of the less determined ones. As you said if the extra fuel cost is less than a screen it is most likely worth it.
With repairing the minor damage them don't you have local windscreen repair shops that can inject resin ? I have tried the kits but the professional jobs (at least here) are cheaper and better. It also depends on how quick you get it repaired to prevent the ingress of dirt / water - a tip I was given was to carry a roll of 2 inch wide clear tape, if I hear a pang pull over asap and take a look, if there is any damage get a piece of tape over it.
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