I think the whole thing with Acer palmatum and cuttings has sprung from the Japs myself.
It's the only plant it's really happened to. They use cuttings (clones) to guarantee that the variety is is 'true' and command a premium price for doing so.
However, in other countries, the chances of it being pollinated by plants other than your own is at best, slim.
Besides, who cares if it's not a guaranteed 'true' AP dissectum, katsura etc as long as it's a nice plant. I sure don't and won't pay £20 for the privelage for a rooted cutting when I can get a sapling for £2.
It's one of the few plants where I would go for seed grown if buying it, simply because of cost.
p.s. look up 'air-layering' or ground layering.