I'm not doubting your experience, but I'm curious about the paw damage from scratching? What does that look like?
My currently senior cat I adopted several years ago had been previously declawed. While I'd never have it done, we haven't had any behavioral issues and I haven't noticed any mobility issues or harm to his paws as he does continue to try to scratch surfaces. On the other hand, the cat we adopted last year had been picked up on the streets of another city as a roughly 2yo intact male. We got him a couple weeks after he was fixed. While he's been a great addition, he's far more mouthy in a playful manner, but definitely reacts with his teeth before claws. Just wondering how much is clawed/declaw vs individual personality.