TKB, I don't think your questions are fair.
OSHA rules are 'job safety standards,' not installation standards.
Likewise, the dwelling on 'permanent' ignores the many circumstances where such is permitted.
I believe your expectation that the appliance have a long cord is also unreasonable.
The circumstance described by the OP is quite common, and can likely be seen at your local grocery story. You recall, perhaps, the heated case that usually sits near the registers to tempt you to buy some hot roasted chicken? Look to see how that is powered. You'll probably find a cord going straight up, with a cap & plug about 6-ft. up, and another plug & receptacle somewhere on the 20-ft+ high ceiling. (I believe Wal-Mart uses multiple cord reels in place of the receptacle shown by the OP).
Think back a bit, and you'll recall that hot table being parked in various store locations for different seasons. This is, IMO, a proper use of 'cord' as the situation calls for both flexibility and frequent interchange.
Likewise, a visit to most any food processing plant will find some variation of this method -they tend to use fixed pendants- to power the various production equipment. That equipment gets moved about every day as part of the cleaning protocols.
Personally, I prefer supporting the cord from the building, rather than from any part of the electrical system. As stout as your conduit may be, it just doesn't compare to structural iron.