Peter,
Of course. I just got back from a week in Phily and played Merion West again. That is the type of course that needs to be promoted for the sake of golf. 6000 yards, simple probably rated much like what you are describing but it allows people to play and learn the game. Simple clubhouse and food. The problem comes in when the second guy to build a "4" has to out do the first guy that built a "4" and next thing you know we are where we are today. It is sad that the game of golf does not recognize the basics of such a course and can only focus on the "championship courses" when talking " 8's, 9's and 10's"