David,
Yes, your theory is now accepted worldwide and I'm sure you grow bored re-explaining the obvious to me over and over.
I'm sure there is no leap to conclusions or assumptions on you or Tom's part in believing that Macdonald's three hole addition to a three hole course in 1897 reeked of architectural intrigue, strategy, and finesse.
Have you seen the original routing for Chicago GC?
Macdonald later did study, and study, and do trips abroad, and eventually became the CB we all know and love but don't put him there in 1890something because it just ain't so.
He was not much more clued-in than those others who were building cross-bunkers and steep, elephantine features.
He was also the most famous GOLFER in this country in the early days, so his expertise in all things golf was assumed.
It was only later that he proved himself worthy of the mantle.
There is nothing inconsistent in recognizing those things for what they are...historical fact, and not hopeless, contrarian, and recklessly personalized speculation.