mayday, your statement is correct. i do love the golf course, and i think if you read the thread you do not see me say anything negative about merion. My point was that if an architext were to use that much OB today he would be blasted. The more you play it the better it gets, and the more you play you realize how much OB is incorporated into the design. It always seems like the best place to be on any given hole is always closer to the danger, and in alot of cases that may be out of bounds. so if you really only see that threat on hole #2, you simply have not played the course enough. i could site numerous other shots were OB is a huge factor (for one - 2nd shot on 11th).
In regards to the other issue about criss crossing hole routing, i do belive that this is something used be very good classic era architexts. The lack of it's use today is just one of many factors contributing to the need for large amouts of acerage on new sites. As Mr. sweeney states enviormental issues also are a large factor. But to say that this feature is against the "GCA rule of thumb" is very interesting, and i would like to hear other peoples comments.
This probably deserves a whole new thread for people to comment on.