I've thought about this a lot as well, and it is one of the motivations behind joining this discussion group. I wanted to add a few thoughts into the discussion without too much repetition.
The biggest distance increases with the new equipment are realized only by the very elite player. However, what troubles me is the difference that now exists between the elite player and just the "very good" player. Pre-pro v, the "very good player" could, on occasion, drive with the pros, or was perhaps 10-15 yards short. Now, the gap is more like 30-50 yards.
I think it is very difficult to develop a new course that is not championship length. Regardless of the fact the average consumer does not need the length; the lack of championship length would likely cause the course to be “ranked” lower in the eyes of the consumer.
The resources wasted in creating this seldom used length certainly translates into increased maintenance and real estate costs. Sean, perhaps this is where you and I disagree, as I do not think the increased cost is balanced out by the fun of hitting the ball further. IMO, the average golfer is not hitting the ball further. Straighter perhaps, with more forgiveness on misses, but not further.
As a result, the price of the game is higher than it should be because the cost of new course development is higher than it should be. And I do think the easy answer that directly addresses the problem is a competition ball. I believe there are three direct benefits to this solution.
1. Championship courses no longer need to be 7500 yards +. The can be 6500 – 6800 yards. A shorter course equals less real estate and less area to maintain.
2. Shotmaking must be part of the pro repertoire.
3. The average golfer using today’s equipment and balls can directly relate to the pros, hitting similar distances, making similar strategic choices, etc.
In essence, the argument could be made the rules are currently bifurcated already because the pros gain a disproportionate advantage through equipment modernization, and that a competition ball, while bifurcating the rules, actually increases the similarity of the game played by the pro and amateur.