OK I am a groomer and here is the groomer's viewpoint:

"Did you ask the groomer NOT to clip these areas?" Because if you didn't then we tend to make the animals look neat (That is, not shaggy or scruffy) The fur on the ears or the mane area is optional (although more times than not is matted, and most ownres don't even feel it), but most people want the dog to LOOK like it got a haircut. But the fur on the feet can lead to problems if left long. If it mats it would be just like walking with stones in your shoes. And even if it does not mat it does accumulate dirt and debris, so this is an area we automatically clip. And too much hair there will hold moisture and can lead to foot problems (equivilent of athelete's foot). So the bottom line is KNOW what you want and make sure your groomer knows, we can't read minds.