TEPaul:
In answering your questions.
First, whenever I rate a course I ALWAYS take into account how the architect can satisfy the varying playing levels of different players. Usually, when I visit I'll have with me a buddy or two who play in vastly different styles than I do.
Second, as far as Huntsville is concerned keep in mind that if you venture down the left side the distance is REDUCED to 419 yards -- the far right side extends the hole to 445 yards. That makes a big difference right off the bat in determining what you want do at the tee.
I usually go down the left side if I'm hitting the ball straight because on that side there is little room for a bail out shot. Usuaully I'll hit either a 3-wood if there's a headwind or a 1-iron / 2-iron with no wind or slightly downwind. The total distance for the fairway on the left side can't be much more than 290 yards before you reach the junk.
Now, if you go down the right side you can hit driver and you do have room to bail out if you're a bit innacurate that day. That's something for the player to decide. The player who does hit the ball straight should try to go down the left side to exploit their straight hitting and the added vantage of having less yardage into the green. That is truly risk and reward because you must fit your game accordingly. The long hitter often in split fairways can gain even more of a pronounced differentiation simply because of length.
I have played some split fairways where I if I take a risk I can maximize a separation point of considerable yardage. Here, I believe Rees has tried to keep all types of players on their toes depending upon what their appetite for adventure is.
The approach to the green I believe also gives you options because if you do make it down the left side you can loft a shorter iron that will probably check up closer to just about any pin location as opposed to the longer right side.
Tom, in your final point -- very few people have more of an appreciation for real length than I do. It is an advantage especially when kept in the ball park, however, smart architects know how to tempt you to take out the big stick while still providing solid options for those who don't the ball as far. One last item -- it's not total distance that's important but the ability to carry the ball in the air. Few players can actually carry the ball at sea level more than 250 yards.
Hope this helps ...