The cutting width of bolt cutters is based on how far they can open and still provide enought leverage to cut a bolt. Many can open farther near the mouth and crushing a rim should take a miniscule amount of force compared to cutting hardened steel.

I have only ever seen a handful of bikes locked with sheldons method compared to dozens every day locked though only a wheel. Only a small percentage of these do I ever see the wheel after the theft.

I have never said that bolt cutters are the only method to cut or break a rim. However logically to support the claim that it is easy to break a rim I only have to provide one example where it is easy. To make the opposite claim one much show how hard it is hard with every feasible method.

My guess is that bolt cutter would be easier then cutting up to 18 spokes and breaking the rim at the seam. It would be interesting to do a comparison. Maybe if I go home at christmas I can find a crap wheel in my parents shed, tension it properly and get some bolt cutters at a pawn shop to do the test.