It's nice that you didn't have to force-fetch your setter...but I for one am a believer in force-fetch.
Having trained dogs for Hunt Tests and Field Trials (retriever), but primarily for waterfowl and dove hunting, I can tell you that the advantages to FF are more than simply insuring a retrieve. FF, if done properly, is the basis for eliminating hard-mouth, teaching advanced handling, and proper delivery of birds. It is also a very useful tool when working multiple retrieves.
I've not trained Gordon's, and don't know their personality. I can tell you, however, that Chessies (contrary to popular misconception the SOFTEST of the retriever breeds) do well with FF, as do Golden and Lab females, which often tend to be "soft" as well.
For more information on FF, check out the following websites:
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