TEPaul
I think that we are seeing the samething within the landforms. I'm looking at the old " push up " greens as better architecture and construction then most of todays work. The ability, behind the old methods, of tying into the surrounds / hazards allowed the formation of different architectural elements. The older courses have a variety of landform elements, from sutle tie-ins ( #14 Merion) to abrupt (#3, #6 Merion) it is the ability the create seemless tie-ins that makes these courses so special. To many of todays courses contain this abruptness which lack proper construction techniques, thus they appear awkward or the "flat top" green.
Could some of the abrupt slopes, that you cited, be considered architectural elements? It seems that #12 Applebrook and #15 Merion are part of the design philosaphy. Just as the seemless approach to the greens (#15 Inniscrone, # 8 Applebrook and #5 Merion ) are intrical parts of the strategy. Ultimately it is the "melding" of design, construction, and maintenance that create excellent architecture.