One of the teachers at my daughters school as an American Cocker and has it clipped short. That just seems like sacrilege I can't think for a minute he has it running anywhere particularly rough so I would of thought there must be a compromise.
My groomer told me recently that her experience is that owners who keep their dogs tangle and matt free are the ones who ask for it to be "all cut off" and the people whose dogs have matts are the ones who want their dogs to stay as long as possible (just a tidy up, please)
She thinks that it is because the people who keep their dogs matt-free know how much time it takes and so when they can't keep on top of it for any reason, they prefer to have the dog clipped short than allow the dog to become uncomfortable and matted
I am sure that most people who do their research when they chose a cocker do accept that there is a commitment to coat care - but lifestyles change, and if clipping the dog is the best way of keeping it happy and healthy, then to be honest, I think they should be applauded for properly considering their dogs needs, not criticised for what is after all a temporary, cosmetic measure
If there is any evidence to suggest that clipping a long-haired breed short was detrimental to the welfare of the dog, then of course, the benefits have to be weighed up against the risks