Geoffrey,
I can't speak to the Silva-Rulewich decision as I was not involved in the process. The restoration is not a true sympathetic restoration yet is a melding of old (i.e. looking at old aerials and maps which depict bunkers that have been filled over the last 90 years and re-introducing) and new (extending tee boxes).
We have a superintendent that is well versed in the MacDonald-Raynor philosophy and is involved in the process as change occurs.
Yes, the members are being educated on the philosophies and strategies involved. We had Silva in town for a dinner last fall to discuss with any interested parties within the membership.
As you'd guess, there are those that will not agree with many proposed changes-even after the reasoning is given.
I'm also recommending to many the CB Macdonald book to as many people involved in the decision process as I can.
I'll be starting a thread soon discussing the completed and proposed changes.
What is the situation at Yale GC?