David,
Yes, I saw the video and I agree that it would seem to indicate that I was not, in fact, viewing the 14th hole from the correct place. However, there aren't any flat spots (at least, not now) except on the far left or the far right. Tom Paul indicated that the tee markers will be positioned to the right of center. I have no doubt the Stop Sign will be removed as I hear Matt Shaffer say so on the video. My only question now is, "what is the real angle going to be?" From the right? From the center?? Don't know for sure but I do want to get clarification the next time I'm there.
Is Prestwick (and, probably, Fishers Island) doing a better job than Merion, Augusta, TOC, etc. at preserving the original architecture (but not necessarily the original degree of difficulty)? You bet! I just don't think that makes them any better or worse than those who have decided to "join 'em" (except for super fast greens).
To put it another way, I'm a big fan of keeping up with the original degree of difficulty as it was intended to be when the course was built. That's why Merion's bunker project was fine with me. It's also why I am willing to concede that softening the pitch of Golden Era greens which were never meant to "Stimp" above 6? or 8?? is a necessary Plan B. For major championships, it also means putting new tee boxes in "creative" places.
Letting the great old courses become obsolete for championships is fine if that's the club's decision (e.g. Prestwick or Myopia Hunt). If it isn't, that's fine, too. It's just not something I care about all that much.