Just looking at it selfishly, I loved the site for spectators. There was a tremendous amount of congestion around the par 3 16th. Corporate tents everywhere, walkways brought to a standstill, etc. But around the periphery of the venue, you could get to spots where you were the only person out there. I got to a few places where I was practically on the tee directly behind the players with a view straight down the fairway (10 and 14 were like this). It didn't have a spot like 15-18 at TPC River Highlands where you could see multiple holes from one spot. But I was very impressed with how close you could get to the action. In recent years it seemed like River Highlands and Westchester were pushing spectators farther and farther from the playing areas.
Also, I have to say that the volunteers and workers were the most pleasant people ever. Might sound trivial, but it makes a huge difference. From parking to asking how to get from point A to point B to buying a burger and a beer, the people there couldn't have been friendlier. On the tee, the marshalls and others would come over and chat and talk about the shots previous players had hit. It was great. Next year I will definitely bring my kids.
My biggest complaint was something you mentioned. There is almost no shade on the course. It was BLAZING hot standing on some of the tees. A few times, the guys I was with took a break and camped out under the trees along 13 before we melted. One of the great things about Westchester, and something I clearly took for granted, was all of the huge trees on the course. easy to find a spot to watch the action that was also out of the direct sunlight. After 9 hours on the course, I was dying to get into an air-conditioned car.
Also, the walk from the shuttle to the course was much longer than I expected. I didn't mind, but something to think about on the way out with tired kids.