I think we have to allow the rules of golf to define hazard. Personally I have no problem being more relaxed in terminology but I would still define long grass, trees, OB, and short grass as elements or features of a golf course which can add to the difficulty. And yes, a short grass hazard played by the rules of golf would be interesting....
BTW....I wasn't questioning you as much as the thread asked about short grass as a hazard and I'm not sure it was meant that way.