Charming and informative article, Sharon (as always).

Have no experience with the large dahlias, but found the medium-sized and small ones very useful for colour in sunny spots.
These don't need staking, but they really require the deadheading for ongoing blooming.

Below: one of the gardens I've planted and maintain.
The area's too small for just perennials.
That lot required deadheading once a week (which involved a fair bit of stooping and stretching).
But apart from deadheading (there's also a sprinkler system there) find dahlias completely reliable and trouble free.

(Aug 29, 2012):

Very lovely, Charlie, as are all the gardens you tend. I think I could manage the smaller ones too. Back in the day when I knew of nothing but the very tall large sized dahlias, I realize I became disenchanted with all those stakes. Plus the fact is, I felt like I was letting Mom down if the dahlias were harmed in any way. In other words, a dahlia wasn't something I could very easily control and I do have that perfectionist factor to consider.

Maybe now after all these years, I might just turn right around and change my mind!
Thanks Charlie, especially for the picture.