It really depends upon the climate and ecosystem.
In the temperate long-leaf pine forest of coastal eastern U.S., the pine needles are 9-12" long and they are routinely raked and baled and sold for mulch. In that humid climate any deciduous leaf that falls is acted upon by microorganisms and fungi, decomposing quickly into a rich humus.
The pine and oak forests of the western mountains are much different. The pine needles are shorter. Raking up pine needles and leaves would not work. Those fallen pine needles and leaves are necessary to form a cover to prevent erosion and to nourish a slow-growing fungal colony that slowly, slowly decomposes in the hot arid conditions, nourishing the tree roots and small understory plants.
It's a totally different ecosystem, and ought not to be managed the same way.