I had my very first cat declawed. I was, at the time, brought up with the idea that it was ok. I did not know a lot about it.All I did know was that my cat did not seem to get the idea of NOT using her claws to play with. (we got scratched a lot). It was HORRIFIC !!! She could not put weight on her front paws for literaly months. and I do not think her front paws ever looked quite right after that. I have never had it done again, and now that I know the facts, would not ever think of it as an alternative (for myself).
BUT...
If the choice came down to having a cat destroyed OR getting it declawed, I'd say declaw it. (if someone asked me for my opinion). I'd think to myself, what a selfish choice, but declawed cats do come into where I wiork, and for the most part, seem to be ok.
How's that for a wishy-washy answer?!?