Regarding Palmer's comments as well as the criticisms from other players - isn't this another instance of competitive players discussing architecture from an entirely different point of view than many of us in the treehouse? It seems that professionals, and often times high level amateurs, comment on architecture as it relates to their games or ability to score. Many of us on the other hand, view interesting architecture as a collection of challenges that may or may not be consistent or "fair" (if this comes across as me branding this point of view as righteous, that is not my intent).
In past years, players took a shot at 18 in two and quite often they reached the large green with little problem - bam, two putt birdie. If they missed the green, they were left with a relatively straight forward up and down for birdie. This was a par 5 where a mediocre or pretty good second shot left a reasonable chance for a 4.
Fast forward to this year and the entire mindset surrounding the hole has changed. Now, the player must execute a high quality shot to keep the ball on the green in two, or risk an extremely difficult up and down. To me, this depicts exactly what should be on the line with a reachable par 5 of modest length. I think Palmer's "Mickey Mouse" pejorative probably has more to do with the way the character of the hole has changed rather than the actual architectural changes. It used to be an easy birdie, now it is a potential birdie with more significant consequences for a less than stellar second shot.
I guess what I'm trying to say, is that we probably shouldn't always consider tour players comments on architecture as...well...comments on "architecture". Sure there are instances where players give thoughtful insight to the specific features of a hole or course, but it seems that typically their comments are more related to their expectations of likely outcomes.
So when they say they "like" a course or a hole, are they really saying that they think it is interesting and well done, or are they saying they like it as it relates to their competitive mindset?