I like my Rika nice and short, it gives me a break from combing her for a bit. Plus, it means less haircuts in general. Rika only goes for a haircut maybe every 4-5 months. I cut it short then let it grow until I'm sick of it again. I think it's cute both ways, and remember, it's just hair and it grows back.
I'm not trying to stick up for the bad grooming, that's never acceptable. I'm just trying to make you feel a little better.