Very interesting discussion.
Frank - I wish inland courses in Scotland were going back to either sand faced or revetted bunkers because from what I can see the general movement at the moment seems to be towards grass faced bunkers. Aesthetically, playability wise, maintenance wise and most importantly for me visibility wise I really don't see the appeal of grass faced bunkers.
Revetting - I'm not a greenkeeper but I've got to think there must be some older UK greenkeepers shaking their heads at the idea that revetted bunkers generally need to be redone every 5 years. As I've stated often, I prefer the scruffy round the edges look but I can understand the R&A wanting to renew bunker faces for their big tournament but unfortunately its like the Augusta effect where every inland course seems to want to plant pretty flowering bushes in that other links courses decide that their bunker faces should be as prestine as the Open rota courses.
Frank - I came across a photo in one of the mags that Colt took and intended to use in his tour of the States to show how bunkers should be done. If I can find it I'll send it to you.
Niall