That is an interesting and informative article and I loved the x-ray.
As for removal of dewclaws, I don't see it necessary unless the toe sticks off/protrudes from the foot, as it does in some dogs. Ripping a dewclaw is different than ripping a fingernail. Ripping a dewclaw would be like ripping off a finger, not just the nail. In which case, I think it is safter to remove.
Plus, in hunting breeds, it is safer to remove them where they won't get caught in brush and ripped or torn off. Both of my dogs have theirs, but they also don't have rear dewclaws, just front ones. They do use them as a thumb like appendage.