Kevin, All:
The characterization that Matt W. gave is essentially the one I'll agree with.
I phrase it this way:
...and this is if only if you're compelled to segregate them at all:
Par 3s - East, the slightest, misiniscule of edges because 13 and 17 E are two of singular experiences, and the West only has one of those - 10W...plus the generalized variety and (usually) four different clubs in your hand.
Par 4s - West, but with a bigger edge than the East has with the 3s. 1, 8, 17 and 18 W are four of the best par 4s anywhere, not just noteworthy or architecturally significant because they are 420+ and tough - they are all that - but because they are fair as well as visually arresting in a manner where the visual presentation both leads and deceives the golfer to proper lines of play. I will modify Matt's remarks and say that #6 W is not a let-up, but it just puts shorter clubs in your hand than you have had for regulation play on the first five. Full Disclosure- 6W is my favorite hole of the entire 36. Also, 11, 14 and 15W are quality strategic holes that may not have enormous distance fright, but never fail to require three fine shots somewhere in the hole to get 4 or better. I like the way 2W looks better than it plays and the same is true for 4W.
For me, the East has only three Par 4s on the level of the West - #s 7, 15 and 16. Of these, only #15 would be an extraordinary or exciting hole to watch elite players contest championships. I appreciate #s 1, 9, 10 and 18 E a great deal - their gentle flat nature in and around the clubhouse and exciting wild greens are a veritable thesis on the sublime virtues of the WF EAST experience as distinct from the West, but while giving such great pleasure, it has to be admitted that they probably cannot be converted to the championship standards without much worse gimmick than what the USGA does already. They're meant to be, and play as, pleasant holes - thank god it can be embraced!
Par 5s -
I think most would agree that only 4 E and 12 W are the only two "brilliant" holes of the eight par 5's, up to the standards of what Tillie has done with this genre elsewhere and the magnificence he executed with these two courses in toto. 12 East is close but the second shot does not command your attention, as a great three shotter should. The crisp linear beauty, legendary vista and memorable green contours of 9W elevate it past its absence of testing distance - and it is usually a satisfying scoring pause at the conclusion of tough front nine. 2 East would be more agreeable to me if the second shot goals were more clearly defined for the first-time, inexperienced (of WFE) player. It's well-known to me and I can play it or instruct its play just fine, but I know a lot of first-timers cannot appreciate what the shot is asking for. 16 W and 8 E are great Par 4.5 - just a chip away from the greatness of the the best in that genre...but they could be played with three seven irons and a putter if you are trying to make the card par. 5 West vexes me i n that it has properties of a superb three shotter, confounding driving angle to awkward slope, well-defended intimidating green, can be reached in two by many players...and there's even a bunker to guard a rough-troubled second shot...but it doesn't feel like an exciting exercise when your playing it.
cheers
vk