Advertising revenue has nothing to do with the rankings (in fact the magazine swear they have lost more than gained through disgruntled clubs). As I said, the panel leave the room and that is the final ranking. Until this year. Sean - the editor changed them only to reduce some - already incremental - moves. He has had his fill of criticism I would say. Compromised the process at the same time though.
I didn't know you rated Portstewart so highly? That one stands out in your list. Adding Portrush Valley is a step too far, I agree. It has some class but is nowhere near a Top-10 Ireland course.
Baltray I've stated I think you are wrong. For what it's worth, it was my No.6 (after the big 5 of Portrush, Co.Down, Portmarnock, Lahinch & Ballybunion) with Rosses Point, The European, Waterville making up 7 to 9 and Carne, Enniscrone and The Island fighting it out for the next three places.
Tony, you are right that Portmarnock consistently rates very highly within the Irish consciousness, as well as the old school British one. Tom D might argue that it is to do with its championship past but I think that's missing a trick.... Although his point that the third nine was almost as good as the 18 and this possibly proved the lack of world class holes on the main 18 was a point I hadn't considered and one well made (despite the fact I think he is wrong with that also - 2 and 6 are the only holes on the third nine that stand with those on the main 18). Portmarnock remains for me the greatest links "whole" I can think of, even if the high points aren't quite as high as many other courses.... I voted it No.3 this year so I can assure you I didn't skew the vote.
The lower courses are the ones that benefit most and the ones that get most passionate, usually to do with local rivalry and how they fair against their competitors... I think the list brings light to many lesser courses that tourists (including those in Ireland) would do well to check out once in a while... But there's no doubt it is a little self-perpetuating and subjective. I'd probably leave the process after this year if I didn't think it would start regressing in to some sort of longer = better, championship = best list.