OK, I stand corrected. What qualifies as a "Gem?' Where does "value course," leave off and some superior level kick in? While I have not played all the courses you mentioned, I have played the courses at Sun City Grand. I find those interesting, but for lack of a better word, contrived. I thought the shot values off the tee, the way the greens fit the holes and the overall golfing experience made for a way better than average day on the links at UHCC. Hardly major championship material, certainly not up to Vista Verde, but similar to Wigwam Red, with better greens. Add to that I had never heard of the place, and I thought it worthy of a mention.
If Vista Verde is the standard for a hidden gem, that is a high bar. My own thoughts lead to places with not much fanfare, maybe not out of the way, but for whatever reason great bang for the buck, solid bones, and features that make you think.