Mark F,
I think the problem is that more and more courses are lengthening their par 3's and removing their individual distinctiveness, creating long, boringly similar holes.
One look at Bethpage, where three out of four par 3's all play at 200-210 should evoke criticism. There is little diversity.
The original Medalist had a similar configuration, as do many new golf courses.
At my club in NJ there is a wonderful diversity in the length of the par 3's.
# 6 210-235
# 8 140-160
# 16 160-180
# 18 120-140
Atlantic has a similar diversity.
A long par 3 is challenging.
Three or four similarly long par 3's are boring, and show a lack of imagination.