We have a simliar problem, though it's a par 5. One concept suggested was to eliminate most of the trees and widen a bunker....this new rewarding short-cut would be guarded by the bunker and the few remaining trees, a potential side hill lie of off-line and would bring OB more into play (the trees actually save many balls from going OB).
The thinking was this would provide more options; of course you could still play it the same way as before if you wanted (straight drive, straight 3 wood, wedge). But it would give short players the option of going for the green in two if they flirted on the first. However the low 'cappers said it would make the hole too easy, as they could thread the needle every time and the par 5 just became a par 4.