Good points, David, which further illustrates that we're all here for different reasons. I'd much rather discuss a course I've played with the archie, even if it's a relative unknown, than discuss his masterpiece, if I haven't played it. Also, I think sometimes one learns more from analyzing why a lesser known course may or may not work than by analyzing the obvious courses. For instance, I recall reading on here that Tom Doak stated that Riverfront was built on all the same principles as Pacific Dunes, but obviously everyone would rather discuss PD. I'd love to discuss what he applied in each case, and compare the relative merits of each course.
Hope you understood that my comment about your credibility was a good-natured jab. If I were to guess, I'd think maybe Tom D wanted to take it offline to discuss things which couldn't really be said in a public forum, but maybe you're right.