There is nothing wrong with bunkers, sand traps or hazards period.
The problem is that golf has been made to look easy since WW2, to attract more people to the game. Now we have the constant moans about this or that because it is causing some a little problem i.e. these bunkers are a bloody hazard when playing golf and therefore should be removed. So lets use the excuse re cost to have them removed.
Golf is all things to all men & women but it is never mean to be easy, but a challenge.
The problem is that with all the assistance golfers can get today they have become pampered and quite frankly lazy and will moan at the most ridiculous things.
IF these opinions had been open to general debate in the 60s or 70s those making these comments may well have been ridiculed for the negativity of their argument times are not just are a-changing, they have, BUT not to the benefit of Golf or to the golfers.
I will say that bunkers have been used rather freely of late and the location of some must be called into question, but that is really down to the skill and quality of game of each golfer. I will not go back to my deep bunker craving but correctly selected fairway bunkers are important. As for cost that is down to the club concerned, although I will say one thing if these clubs have cart paths then they have no right to moan about the cost of maintaining bunkers if nothing else the hire fees should be used to maintain the course - first and foremost.
Life is simple, but its us humans that make it complicated just a question of priority starting with course first (which includes all hazards).
These problems of yours are as easy as chewing a bumblebee in this case its all down to Preparation, Preparation, Preparation in my most humble opinion. Although some moaning already look as if they are chewing the bumblebee without any preparation, yet I am not surprised as it takes all sorts.
Melvyn