Ah, a subject dear to my heart! I have been trying to debunk the Oregon grafting myth for over a decade.Yes! Most cultivars of Acer palmatum do grow from cuttings and airlayers, and perform as well, and sometimes better on their own roots. I have grown at least two dozen cultivars on their roots over the years with very few problems. I have an Ao Kazashi, cutting grown, that is now nearly twenty years old with a six inch caliper trunk.
With very few exceptions, all of the broadleaf cultivars, including dwarfs like 'Yuri Hime' and 'Kiyohim', are easy on their own roots. The only problem cv I have found is 'Shishigashira', which is unfortunate since it is such a desirable tree. It will layer and root from cuttings, but they are never vigorous.
Dissectums are another matter entirely. There are some dissectums that will grow from cuttings and can be layered, but the majority fall into the difficult to impossible range. Most of these don't make decent bonsai anyhow, despite their popularity due to the fantastic leaf shapes. Best to stick with the broadleaf cvs.
Brent
EvergreenGardenworks.com