I'm thinking of just taking it ALL out except for the five or so new canes per plant. I'll sacrifice most of the blooms for next year, of course, but at least the daylilies and iris will have a chance to get some light again.
I have some wonderful long leather gloves to wear for this task, so it's not a totally awful job. But it will probably take a couple of days to get it done. Too hot right now to do it all in one stretch!