I have a set of nasty blades for nasty dogs LOL. I try and rough clip everything before it gets to the bath, so I don't have to dry more than necessary. I am a serial snap on comb user too, I think because I am inexperienced it gives me a nicer finish so I just hack away what I don't want, wash and dry so I have a beautiful clean dog and then get to work.
I wish my dogs would come in relatively clean and matt free to start off with but after nearly 12 months it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Maybe 20% of my clients can keep their dogs nice between groomings. I really don't know why people get these SWF's if they are not going to take proper care of the coat, some of them I can't stand to touch so I can't see how the owners ever cuddle them, have them on the couch etc ...