Are we discussing the problem that all aging bodies eventually face? We wish to remain relevant. Know this call? In my youth, I did this, that and this again! I'm still relevant, damnit!
The death of a golf course, in whatever terms, is not taken lying down by its membership (there's an opening in there, if anyone wants it.) The desire to remain relevant in the face of changing, more disparate standards, is nearly an impossibility. I think that we may see this contrast between beloved Merion in 2013 and beloved #2 in 2014. I'm not certain how it will play out, but it will play out. I'll check back in 2015 with an answer.