Have been there once in May of 2003. Spent two days and divided my rounds evenly between the original Bandon and Pacific. I loved both courses and believe the Dunes is overall a better course but not by as much as most on GCA do. The biggest letdown to me on the original course was the 18th hole...which was a hole that I felt that you could see on many golf courses in many parts of the world.
My experience has been that Bandon is still a mystery to a good number of Midwesterners. In fact, wearing my Bandon Dunes hat in Central Ohio has only elicited two questions/comments in the two years since my trip. For some reason, the people I have run into, many of whom are avid golfers, are much more intrigued by Kohler, Pinehurst and Pebble Beach. Perhaps it is the exposure of hosting a major that holds the allure to them. Maybe it is the perceived remoteness of Bandon. However, to me, the drive from Portland down to Bandon was quite enjoyable...even though I did play Sandpines.
When I tell them that Bandon is the best resort experience I have ever had, they tend to look at me somewhat dismissively (almost like you would a crazy relative). However, I recently converted a group of 12 guys who normally go to Mid-Pines and Pine Needles to explore Bandon for their 2007 trip. Needless to say, I'm not sweating making that recommendation.