Should the challenge that the game of golf and the architect present be a chore or a joy ?

It should be a little of both, with erring on the side of joy.  And that can come from VIEWS, both on the course and extending outward.  Of course the most joy comes from playing a course, but some guys like to base their assessments on photos, so if that gives them joy, that's cool also.

 

Often great music or literature can be difficult, or taxing to appreciate. Think Joyce or Miles Davis. But the appreciation is not a chore, and can come to become a thing of joy, life enriching, even. I know I don't always have the desire to read this kind of literature, often times I might rather read an aeroplane book, or listen to the Carpenters. Which isn't to say that the Carpenters aren't great..
Personally I like variety in my life. It's great to have one's game sternly tested from time to time. Occasionally it will hold up. It can also fun to hook up with some strangers who are playing from the forward tees.
I think that there are plenty of courses that are a stern test and also a joyful experience. I wouldn't include the Black Course or Carnoustie on the list, but Ganton, Dornoch, Maidstone..

Don't view the question in the context that one strange equals 100 familiars.

View the play of the golf course as a daily, repetitive or patterned event.

Patrick,
   That is a true test of a golf course. If you play it on a regular basis and still enjoy it then it is inevitably well-designed. Many golf courses lose their appeal after a dozen rounds, or even less.