I think we are all softies really - I could never listen to it, that's for sure, but some do get anaesthetic - still I couldn't.
You are probably influenced about liking docked tails better because it's what you are used to seeing. Over here, now that it has been law for a while, you rarely see them without tails - and they are lovely when fully grown with lots of lovely flowing hair.
I have some pics somewhere, but not on computer. This is the only one showing Tara's tail, though she often has it more raised than this. I love her tail - she has fabulous amounts of hair on it.

Debra x x x x