Joe - my take was in part an experiment in sensible and reasonable humility. What I mean is: while I don't understand the seemingly excessive maintenances programmes and practices at some of America's great courses, I'd be foolish not to recognize that those in charge of those courses/clubs are, compared to me, much more knowledgeable, have much greater experience/institutional memory, are much more invested (both emotionally and financially), understand the wishes and goals of the membership infinitely better, have probably played more great courses in more places around the world than I could ever dream of, and have and take very seriously a duty to manage the resource as best they can. And if that is all true (and I believe it is), and if (as it seems) those in charge simply do not believe that the great architecture/design is "enough", I have to conclude that it is quite possible they know something about the course that I don't.
Peter