Ron Kern,
I sincerely believe that you are completely misinterpreting Jim Lewis's goal in starting this thread, and some of our goals in responding.
I think Jim feels that way too much of the discussion that takes place here centers around "name" architects. He points out several examples of worthwhile courses he's played in the past year that were built by lesser-known designers.
I don't think any of us feel that we hold sway over any architect's final product. If an architect already has a predisposition to a certain type of architecture, he or she may come here to check out what people are saying, or perhaps to just participate in a lively discussion, but it would be pretty silly for any of us to think that some guy is out there in the field thinking, "hmm..now...let's see what I can do to please those folks on GCA..". We'd have to be arrogant asses to believe that, Ron.
Now, I'm sure you'll point out that Jim did say that "we have a greater potential to influence the direction of architecture" by praising good work when we see it, no matter who it might be from...known or unknown. Perhaps that's true to some extent. For instance, it seems that much of the discussion of architecture, even among the popular magazines, seems to have taken on more of a classically-oriented bent in the past couple of years. Perhaps here on GCA we are part of an emerging trend, but I tend to think we're riding the wave started by others than a direct influencer on the industry.
Ron..I put together a list of names in response to Jim's query of lesser known architects who I thought merited attention based on my experiences. Such a list is always certain to miss deserving people. For instance, I haven't played much in the midwest, and I've never played one of your courses although I was certainly intrigued by the pictures I've seen of Purgatory on this site. If I were in Indiana, it would be one of the courses I've certainly want to check out.
To my chagrin, I also saw later that I had left out Jeff Brauer, whose work I would check out based on a single playing experience at a course he designed. I'm VERY sure there are others who deserve mention and recognition, and I simply counted on others here to bring their names to the table.
Instead, I compiled my list from my own personal experience, thinking that if Joe Q. Public saw my list, had any interest in my opinion, and then had the opportunity to play a course by any of those architects, then it might be worth some good for me to say so, since Joe Q. might then to check out the course when previously they might not have because they never heard of the architect.
I don't think any of this was meant to be exclusive, Ron.
Instead, I think Jim Lewis felt, and I generally agree, that by focusing on just a few name architects here (whether we criticise or praise), we are being exclusive by default.
I think he wanted to widen the discussion simply to bring further exposure to "emerging" architects who are doing quality work.