I think the Merion and ANGC are the big courses who can take just about anything heaped upon them. And there are even more of those like PVGC, Seminole, Sand Hills, Riviera, etc. Please forgive me if I left your favorite classic or modern off the list.
ANGC gets a regular whipping around February and March, about how they have strayed from the architects original ideas, etc. The GCA folks get out their switches, some their ole Louisville Slugger with Eddie Mathews burned on the side, and take some big swings. Maybe ANGC has strayed, maybe not.
Same with the Merion history to a certain extent. Everyone wants the straight scoop, an understanding of its evolution, and who did what. And why ? Because they are such great courses as they now exist. Any GCA member or lurker would play either course upon the first phone call.
These discussions only add to the lore, the lure, and the love.
Now, if someone is beating down a lesser course, or perhaps a public or resort course, perhaps for conditioning or some such, yeah, that is not very good. They could actually 'possibly' suffer. Those are the ones that make me cringe. For the love of Mike, send an IM or something.
I suppose those that know Merion, belong to Merion, are passionate about it. Those that research golf history are passionate about it. The Merion discussions have been good in my opinion. In any regard, those threads will not be changing much as to Merion so far.
Only two or a dozen fellows have traded insults, and it has been quite a tussle. As to the evolution and origins, I personally favor one side over the other. Nevertheless I read each and every statement that seems somewhat factual or a logical deduction. And then think about those statements and deductions, and sometimes ask questions. The other side has not changed my mind yet (yeah, like that really matters).
Read around some of the insults and such, which is easily done if you are not being insulted. Enjoy the passion and don't get upset. Relax, consider others opinions, remain passionate, make a decent argument. Don't anyone stop yet. I still read all the ANGC, etc. material and have adopted this ability to skim over some posts and some sentences.
And please, quit calling me about playing Merion or ANGC this weekend. I told y'all I have to trap a squirrel in the attic this weekend. It's me or him baby.
It'll all be over soon, way too soon.