In the end, I believe we all want different things. And many of us want differing experiences from different courses. This is what makes golf a unique game...the playing field differs from place to place.
I belong to a course close to my house. I like it for a few different reasons. It is interesting and fun to me. BUT, I can get there in 15 minutes. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm a member at this course.
Another course I'm a member of I have to travel all day to get to. BUT when I get there I see things and experience golf in a manner in which I can't anywhere else. It is vast, extreme, fun, and at times over the top. Would I want to play there day in and day out? Probably not. But for that few times I year I get to go there, it is mind blowing because it is so unique and thrilling.
I belong to another course near where my parents and in-laws live. It has that amazing peaceful feel to it and interesting golf. But, again, it is close to where I'm going to be many times a year.
Now, having said all that, I will travel to play other courses. But they have to bring something to the table I can't get within my normal rotation of courses.
I think we want convenience for our local game...and something unique when we travel.