rbarrios,
Nope, the HHR and the Traverse both do not have DoD.
With almost 300 horses, a ~2 horse drag from a 5 second run of the compressor is basically un-detectable. I'd rather they do this and keep the seals properly lubricated so the coolant doesn't leak rather than worry about a clutch that's rated at 500,000 cycles (a guess, but I'm sure it's not too far off for the MTBF cycles expected) Consider that an average person puts about 1,800 hours on an engine per year. That 1,800x12 cycles = 21,600 cycles or probably a LOT less since the compressor will be running full time for at least some of the time and not cycling on/off, so let's take 1/2 of that, for about 10,800 cycles. That gives up to 50 years of operation expected out the compressor clutch. Nothing to complain about.
My father is a retired aircraft mechanical engineer (did many studies in aircraft engines for the US Air Force) He was thrilled when he heard that GM did this with the AC compressors. He knows about component failure better than most folks. He didn't go into why, other than what the Chevy shop guy already told me about with the seals keeping moist and less wear overall. So, I'm satisfied this is a good thing.
I'm thinking the temp changes I witnessed in the HHR may have been similar cycle running of components in the HHR engine.