The cage, like the clinch, is the grappler's friend. Rorion Gracie created the 1st UFC and it was in cage for a reason. Rorion's family had been fighting for decades, in all sorts of environments. The first UFC did not take place on a mat or in a ring. It took place in a cage because that is grappler's best environment.
Clinching against the cage can be mind numbingly boring. I know how effective it can be, and I realize that there are a lot of subtleties to appreciate, but I can't even pretend that it is exciting. Take a look at Nik Lentz/Andre Winner to see how truly awful it can be. I'd rather watch LNP and someone grinding out a decision against the cage.
