I sometimes feel like a bit of a sell out, having worked with the barely involved (sorry, but facts are facts) Larry Nelson, Lanny Wadkins, Steve Elkington, Fred Couples, etc. On the other hand, they are nice enough guys, and I learn a design perspective I don't know, and also, someone will design the course for them, and I figure I will do a better job for the owner than someone else.
When Jim Colbert puts his name on something, while he couldn't figure out drainage, etc. he stongly dictates what goes where on many, many holes, and has ingrained his philosophy in me to the point that the others reflect it.
I will also say that in most cases, it hasn't been a problem to get co-credit rather than be a pure ghost designer, and even in those cases, I can use those courses on my resume for marketing future work. I won't sign a sub-contract with a pro anymore, I only sign them with the Owner, but giving him the right to add a player consultant, if he chooses.