Sean, I can see how you'd say that after the conditions we played Deal in but I think the opinion is incorrect. I've had the chance to play both courses multiple times and feel I can say the following..
The routing at St. Georges is a cooler routing but it is on an enormous tract of property and the dunes around the front 9 are grand and wonderful. But around the Suez hole, the land changes and becomes more like what we find at Deal (around 11 and 12).. In fact, other than the 15th I don't find the end to Sandwich to be inspired golf. My opinion.
I don't know how anyone can consider the final 7 holes at Deal a slog (well perhaps given the 35mph winds we faced that day you played with me).. You have inspired golf pretty much the whole way. The 15th has some of the biggest dunes on the property and one of the most wonderful links shots in golf (the 2nd shot which Ran told me is an All World Approach).. The randomness of the land and where your drive lands makes for a tremendous second shot.
The 16th was Sir Peter Allen's favorite links golf hole. Everyone in the history of 20th century UK links golf has praised it and loved it-- including Darwin and Fowler. Again, the landscape is amazing here, the valley of inglorious security, the contours of the green, the chance to have an eagle putt--all terrific.
The 17th is a great short par 4 with Vardon's parlour being a stategic place to land your ball especially if you want to see the flag. The punchbowl green is one of the best greens I've seen in GB and I and a great equalizer in match play.
Both 14 and 18 have wonderful lowprofile, elevated green sites.
Deal's routing is very much like St. Andrews and does anyone consider 12-18 there a slog.. I think not. If Deal finished in town like TOC, we wouldnt be having this discussion.. Into the wind the finish at Deal is a cruel taskmaster but still incredibly fun to play.. How about when it is January Sean and all of those holes play downwind, is it a SLOG then too?
Oh yeah and that Peter Allen bloke, he picked Deal for his last round of golf on this earth.. Not bad considering he had been everywhere!
Sandwich is a great course and has the reputation due to its lofty status as an Open Venue and is really an exclusive London Club on the Kent Coast, but the locals who play Deal, Sandwich, Rye and Princes all think Deal is the best test and prefer to play there.
Now if you want to argue Deal vs. Rye, we can have some fun.