The planner said that running through the roof wouldn't be any better/worse than through the ETICS..?!? He also said that fresh air over the roof is always somewhat more critical in snow than at the gable?
Yep, I've also heard about the snow issue. But there are also "roof tiles with a small chimney attached" (please don't ask me for the exact name). That would place your air intake about 40-50 cm above the roof. And how often do you have 40 cm of snow on the roof?
Deliberately chose to forgo the roof penetration - had concerns about leaks and didn't like the way those [Pimmel] looked. We have a stainless steel grille on both the north and south gable, which was powder coated in the color of the windows. Looks good - our controlled residential ventilation is also located in the attic.