I only use spikes when i really have to.
I let the spikes form naturally & may use a support when it starts to bend to much under it,s own weight.
Phal hybrids i stake as i tend to move them about(even to a different house) but never before the first buds have formed.
Paph chamberlainianum has over a 24" spike now(on flower number 13) & the spike cannot support itself at all.
I try to leave my Onc,s with no stakes but they can get heavy spikes which start to bend to much.
I left my Oncidium Cleo,s Jungle unsupported even though the spike was about 36" & was fine until the flowers started to open & then the spike started to really bend under the weight so i had to spike.
I mainly stake them so that it,s more difficult for me to accidentally snap them.