I agree that Strantz is the most original of ther 1990 era gca's. I have heard Ron Whitten compare his work to special effect thriller action movies, while the rest of us are generally doing remakes of "its a wonderful life." I gather there will be fans of both, but is remaking the classics the highest form of art? Granted, special effects just for effects sake isn't likely to garner any Oscars either.
I think RTJ's early efforts at using construction technology to build big lakes, like at the Dunes in MB, SC are underrated as to their impact. His tenth big course, maybe is overrated.
I once went into an interview figuring that everyone would say to follow classic principles and specifically said "Screw classic principles." I went on to talk about how golfers need visual stimulation, a better mouse trap, etc. I wish I could tell you that it netted me the job, but someone bid about $35K for the fee when it was really worth 5-10X that. But they did consider me a while longer just because my approach was the only one to sound different. And, it got them thinking.
What does it say when 9 of 10 gca's recommend flouide toothpaste.....ehm, following the classic style, rather than a unique new style? TD and CC say they follow the classics, and do, but I would wager than a lot of their success comes from the jagged edged bunkers that looked so different from the rest.