Martin,
Your point is well taken and I can't speak for the others on this post, but I think the "American" way is for most folks to keep their cats indoors at all times, which I understand is much different than the traditional cat in the UK. Our veterinarians stress that their lives are extended by keeping them indoors. Most of us are against declawing too, although many people still utilize that practice to avoid the shredded furniture. A declawed cat must most definitely stay indoors.
I personally wouldn't mind if my cats would stay indoors, but they don't and won't!
Therefore, all claws are intact, unshielded by nail guards, therefore if they decide to scratch me, I really get scratched.
Maybe the others can elaborate and let us know if they are keeping their cats indoors when they wear the "shields" on their claws.
Logan