I agree. I'm a shortie and assumed that I needed heels for maxis and boy was I wrong. I prefer flip flops or sandals. Only a few of my maxis look ok w/ wedges though.
I've worn maxi skirts and dresses with both kitten heels and flats. I prefer flats just because I'm still very new to wearing heels . If the dress is a bit too long to wear with my flats I belt it and pull the top portion out similar to the following picture: catwalkqueen.tv/assets_c/2012/05/Pleated%20Belted%20Maxi%20Dress-thumb-autox500-158444.jpg
I have a couple of dresses that will work with flat sandals and a couple that will only work with a pair of shoes with some height - I always go with wedges in the latter case. I think either works, especially for us shorties.
I have a few maxi dresses that I usually wear with a pair of flip-flops or flat sandals in the morning (for running errands, going shopping etc) and a pair of wedges in the afternoon/evening.
I always wear mine with nice flip flops or flat sandals. Once I wore a pair of sandals with a heel that looked good but I like the effortless look and comfort of flat sandals.