Patrick, as someone who has only played National once, I find it hard to add to your wonderful description, but I have read it several times and hope you will continue.
I said to another GCAer the other day, a part of what makes Bottle great is that the the green and green surrounds are in clear view from the tee. Though it is impossible for the first-time player to have a complete understanding of the hazards near the green when viewed from the tee, the imposing bunkers short of the centre of the green, and the abundance of fairway grass short-left of the green, give the clear indication that an approach from the left is preferred.
In fact, it is the ability to view the green from the tee that made me alter my driving line. In no uncertain terms, my caddie told me to play right of the string of bunkers. He told me I could not carry the entire string (and I presume based on the way I hit my drives on the first few holes) he felt the left was too narrow a target. I agreed. This discussion took place on the 7th green.
But upon arriving on the 8th tee and looking at the green I felt I HAD to take on the left side. Now, when not hitting the ball well, it is a very difficult task to pick both line AND distance with a driver. One unconfident swing later and I am one foot from the face of the second to last bunker, wondering how I will escape the hole with less than 6.
I did not notice much discussion of the placement of the principal's nose bunker. It seems an odd place to me given the distance golfers were driving the ball in the past, but it certainly makes the driving decision a more compelling one for those able to carry the entire string of bunkers.
Pat, do you see similarities between Bottle at National and the 5th at Friar's Head? If so, would you mind comparing the holes?