No data exist to justify those conclusions.
Yes, you can do it. Carefully. I probably wouldn't attempt it below, say, 200' AGL, as the reduction in drag does not outweigh the destabilizing effect and loss of lift over such a short time period. It would be best to make that decision above at least 500' AGL.
A lot of people think retracting flaps on approach is verboten, but it really isn't. It's usually only useful as compensation for poor technique, though. Having a better technique is ... better.