I agree. One of my favorite architects, Gil Shafer, uses short backsplashes a lot. I would take any of his kitchens in a heartbeat. Just because the masses don't use them doesn't mean that they aren't attractive or useful.

Here are some of his kitchens:

And oh my, here is one with a short backsplash AND tile! The horror!!!

I have seen them more in the last 5-10 years in design magazines, and it's commonly done in Europe.

I think sometimes a full tile backsplash is out-of-sync with certain styles of midcentury houses.

Had one in my previous home, liked it, I really don’t care ”if it’s not a thing anymore”. I get what I like.