Bridle paths...to clip or not to clip...

So it just seems standard your supposed to have a bridle path. I always took it to the most literal translation..bridle PATH not super highway. I have always trimmed a halters width that's it. I know some people bend back the ear and use that as a guide. And then Arabians are even further back sometimes. But I have to wonder what's the benefit of having that chunk of missing mane?
All I can come up with is convenience for rider. Surely it isn't comfortable to have a buzz cut then have a halter/bridle pressing down on it, especially as it grows out. It just seems unnatural and unnecessary. I understand it looks neater and tidy for shows but thinking purely of the comfort of the horse.. I think I'll stop clipping mine..
Does everybody do bridle paths? Or are there others who've questioned them as well.
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I trim mine with scissors, personally, and only wide enough for the halter/headstall and fly mask. I think its uncomfortable for the mane to get pulled on or tangled up with the headstall. But that is just me.

I don't do them. It gets a we bit messy with the thicker manes because you have to adjust the hair. But its preferance. My one gelding with really thick hair hates clippers so I don't bother. My new arabian gelding already has it clipped. My other gelding could care less. :) so I do it based on my horses. But it is convienent. :)

Arabians have such a huge chunk taken from their manes to emphasize the curve of their neck, which is why it's usually only done to show Arabs rather than your average, everyday one.

I personally don't cut a bridle path because I don't like the look of it, especially when it's growing back and there's a couple inches of mohawk. However, Abby has had her halter on 24/7 lately and its rubbed it's own spot off her mane..

I cut Lacey's with scissors (she'd be fine with clippers but I keep my clippers at home as opposed to the barn) just because, and I only make it wide enough for her bridle/nylon halter.
If I had to choose a reason for cutting it, it'd be mostly because her forelock is already so long and thick that adding more hair to figure out after she's bridled is just a pain.

I just recently started trimming a bridle path for Sour. I'm in the process of bridle training her, and with a thick and long as her mane is (she's a miniature horse), it was a pain to try and weave her hair out of it as I'm trying to get the bit in her mouth as I'm trying to adjust everything, as I'm trying not to poke her in the eye or nose, as I'm trying to keep her holding still O_o

I cut about an inch, so you really can't even tell that she has a bridle path unless she's completely untacked. It's just enough room for her bridle and halter to go on, and that's about it.

I used scissors.

LOL I knew there was probably a reason Arabians have longer ones. I don't really like the look either so I don't know why I've done it -_- probably because "everyone else does it" but not anymore. My paint has a thinish mane. I uses to keep it trimmed but decided to stop and see how long it will grow. I completely understand show horses. And I only ever do the area for a bridle on sale horses. Haha I tell the BO if he wants it cut differently he can do it himself. :). And I understand about it getting cauggt in the mane.thankfully his mane is thin and not like big drafty manes or minis :)
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I don't like my horse's mane getting stuck in his bridle and his halter lays down in the spot and doesn't move back when I razor a little strip. I never do more than what is needed though.. I want him to keep as much of his mane as possible.. good defense against flies.

I cut the width of the bridle, and then another inch back. So it ends up about a two inch bridle path (I own a Paint).
My other retired horses I don't bother with, and every time I put a halter on them, I find myself wanting a bridle path cut, instead of a long lock of mane in the way.

I don't think either way is more comfortable than the other, but it just depends on what it easiest and preferred for the person.

I do it 3/4 of their ear so I can have a bridle, and a tie down on them. Or a halter and flymask and I think it looks nicer then a little one that fits a halter adn that's it. I use sissors because my horses would flip from the razor.