Mark;
Shouldn't those examples fall under "shot values" or some other category indicating "strategic interest"?
Personally, I believe that many raters look at the "conditioning" issue, and are looking for lush, green playing surfaces, through the green. If their ball is sitting up smiling at them on the fairway, they think the conditioning is "awesome".
I'll mark down a course on conditioning for three reasons;
1) If there are signs of neglect to the point where it detracts from the design. I know you grew up on public courses, Mark, like I did, so my tolerance level is REALLY high here, especially on a single visit. Personally, I LOVE to see some browns, yellows, and purples out there.
2) If it's clear that no attempt at "maintenance meld" with the type of architecture is made. When I see balls "back up" in the fairways in the middle of a dry summer on a classic course, for instance, I have to wonder where the priorities and understanding are.
3) When it's clear that there is no tree management program in place.