Mark:
I might rate Southern Dunes a bit higher -- 5.5 seems about right to me. I've played the course at least a dozen times -- primarily because of visits to the PGA Show. The course is strong when played from the tips and when the wind kicks up a bit you have to show some solid control off the tee and with your approaches.
To Smyers credit he did shape the fairways otherwise you would have the usual DULLSVILLE Florida layout. I'm not a fan of mounds for the sake of mounds, but you have to realize we are talking about central Florida -- this isn't the Lehigh Valley!
Keep in mind the architect is not responsible for what COMES AFTER he leaves the site. It's unfortunate the homes are there but the qualities of Southern Dunes as a golf course are there in my opinion.
As far as the bunkers is concerned you do make a valid point -- there might be overkill. But what other defenses are appropriate? Do you literally dig out parts of the property for the traditional and yawning waterfall?
Would Smyers be better off in creating these goofy windmill clown's mouth greens you see on some courses? I like Smyers because he understands the importance of tee-to-green play and tries to make his designs flow that way.
The problem is not the bunkers automatically. It's the lack of awareness on the average golfer to avoid them. As a result you get people who will take forever when they stray. This happens at other Smyers courses -- particularly Royce Brook West, to name just one -- Blue Heron Pines / East is another in the local area.
I do agree with you that Smyers needs to vary the shape, placement and depth of the bunkers he uses. Otherwise, you are absolutely right on target the bunkers appear as the same time after time after time. Sometimes less can be more and it's something that Smyers might want to consider on other layouts. I don't know if you have had the opportunity to play Four Streams GC in Bealsville, MD (just west of DC on the Potomac). The bunkers there have a wild and varied design usage. The plus with Four Stream is that the course, though originally touted as a daily fee, is a private club and does not get the continual amount of play.
I like Steve Smyers courses generally because you must demonstrate you can play golf at a certain level. He does not "dumb-down" courses. Maybe I lean that way because I'm looking at his designs with reference only to the better player.
One thing to consider is that Smyers is a fine player and understands the value of critical and core shot values on a course. I'd also recommend Wolf Run in Zionsville, IN (just outside of Indy). Demanding no nonsense course - among the toughest you can play from the tips. Some people absolutely hate it -- I view the course as bold and "in your face" design. I imagine some would prefer more subtle and less strident designs.
Lastly, all arcghitects have styles. I would hope that in the course in developing his portfolio Smyers will blend in other aspects to compliment what he does well. Of course -- only time and future projects will tell, however, that can be said for all architects.
Hope this helps ...