Tis true. They definitely don't get hot enough! Not too big of a problem here in CA.
The headlight de-icers are really just super powerful LED headlamp washers that pop out. I think the stream is heated and much more powerful because the lights themselves don't give off enough heat to make a difference on the ice buildup. I was thinking of reversing the washers so I can spray people. They are THAT powerful. Like having built-in super soakers. When you activate the headlamp washers on the CT, some of the fluid overshoots clear across the hood and reaches the roof and doors.