Hate to break it to the "group," but advocating taking caddies posts outnumber those who advocate pass. Some get it, some don't. To each their own. R&A and Muirfield members certainly do take caddies regularly. Just like this site, some ALWAYS play with one, others occasionally, and plenty not at all. Which is fine.
Caddies in Scotland have survived principally because of overseas, vistor play, of that there is no question. Beyond Prestwick, Troon, R&A, Muirfield and perhaps one or two more, members, especially locals, don't take caddies as they've played the course often, and sometimes carry, or most often use the pull-cart, which is understandable.
Anthony,
Why member caddies only at Cruden?
Cheers,
Kris