Jason,
I'll add another vote for Dormie (assuming open, etc) and Tobacco Road. I think both of these far exceed their reputation in the magazine polls, with TR probably because some don't care for it. Your objections to Eagle Ridge shouldn't be too apparent at TR--its very wide and gives you room to play most of the time. Misses are penalized, but its not a course that eats balls. Pine Needles is nice as well. I don't think I'd suggest Tot Hill Farm to you, given your take on Eagle Ridge, but its an interesting place. I haven't seen a lot of the other options.
Regarding #2, its a place that architectural enthusiasts should see. I'm not willing to say its a value at $400, but if you're going to pay that kind of money for a round of golf you could certainly do worse. I think Dormie is the "best" course in the area, then #2, then TR. But I had more fun at TR than either of the other two.