I started on AWD with counter steer. It's a lot of fun, easier to pick up than RWD, but it lacks some realism.
Moved on to RWD and it's incredible - very hard to pick up but it's worth sticking it out.
The gyro helps to center the wheels, when the rear steps out it helps you to catch the balance point between a drift and a spin. It give you that split second to get the wheels on lock and hold your slide. It's not there to cheat and hold the drift like some people imagine, more an aid to get you there.