One within a foot of the box and every four feet is what the NEC requires.

There's no reason not use staples. If you have several cables you need to space them out and those fancy multicable things can make that a lot easier.

Thanks for the reply, Ron. I suppose the real question is this: Are the multi-cable clamps code-equivalent to staples?

Personally, I like the firm grip of a staple that close to a box, but the inspector said he wanted to see the staples replaced with a multi-cable clamp.

Also, the inspector's desire for 3 multi-cable clamps within a 3' vertical run (from light switch box to ceiling) seemed excessive to me.

The inspector almost certainly has the final word, but as far as the NEC is concerned, as long as you're using a listed method, the code doesn't indicate a preference.

I can only speak for the NEC (and this is certainly not something that has changed over the recent years). Absent knowing the exact jurisdictions code implementation, I can't tell you what the law is in your particular area.

Is there more than one cable here? Has he indicated why he needs more fasteners than what the NEC requies?

Multiple cables on that stud (three, if memory serves, possibly four). I believe we're using NEC2014 here, with no major exceptions I'm aware of (at least as it pertains to dwellings). No reasoning I'm aware of, but again, this is coming second-hand from the neighbors... I have not spoken directly to the inspector.

Interesting on the staples vs. clamps, though... I'll personally stick with staples until such time as an inspector says otherwise.