I also preferred Mid Pines over Pine Needles, just for routing design. The dominant theme at MP is elevated tee shot to valley - approach up hill to elevated green, with the next (elevated) tee about 25 yards away.
The dominant theme at PN is tee shot over a ridge to dowhill green. I think the MP theme is just a lot more fun and visually exciting.
The green sites were pretty similar although I think John Fought added quite a bit of square feet when renovating Pine Needles. Mid Pines would benefit from some of the same treatment, although that "scruffy" look is very appealing.
And yes, Mike, the Pine Crest Inn is a special place in golf!