It wasn't that I wanted you guys to tell me that it was the right breed for me (it's vice versa. I want to make sure that I'm a right fit for the cocker!!! LOL) , it was just that I wanted to make sure in my mind that I was finally settling on the right breed, so I wouldn't be getting a dog and not know what I was getting into. Or asking a dog to do something it wasn't prepared to do, something that wasn't in his nature, or something that it wasn't bred to do.
I listed the things that I had been asking myself and was asking for others who had cockers to give me some insight - to make sure that I was a right fit to a cocker spaniel - basically I didn't want to get a dog that was a total mismatch with me and my life and have it be unhappy. I know what I want and I am positive that I've found it in the cocker.
It's just that what I saw on other websites and what you guys were telling me didn't add up. I am just one of those people who can't stand an equation that isn't true (which is why I don't like Algebra). You guys were saying that you had these perfectly wonderful dogs - but others (your vet, groomer etc.) were saying that it was a rare find. But the AKC, breeders, rescue groups all said that Cockers were a happy breed, and a good breed - which is why I got a little peeved. I felt like I had to defend my choice of breeds because I would get one of the "bad" cockers that are out there.

I also wanted to make sure I knew what I'm getting myself, well, into. I want to make sure that I understand the parameters that comes with a Cocker Spaniel - such as his hunting instints or his need to go to the groomers. Some little dogs have big energy, that's why I asked if they could become an apartment dog. To make sure the dog I get will be happy.

Thanks for the replies!