Pat, there is really no way to answer your questions. Particularly, where to cut 10-25%. Many questions you raise already imply answers. But, for each circumstance and consequence are different from course to course, or club to club. That is because every club has a different base line of values and differing standards that they expect or want to see on their course, at their club.
I know of clubs in this area where I think it might really be tough to cut 10% because they are already run efficiently, and have a more lean and economical operating standard as it is. Yet, I can think of a couple where I really believe they have enough fat, and enough eye candy and aesthetic touches throughout their course, where if times got tough, they could cut and still have a fine course.
Things like ornamentals and flower gardens throughout the course, including green house operations on-site. There are gardens next to tees and cart paths, and really overly maintained turf that would need to be weaned slowly from all the pampering. But, the obvious key is whether the members could stand to see a little austerity. I don't see all those old long time members that play infrequently, and it is more about the social life around the club, agreeing to a less than beautiful course and grounds, in their perception of what is good.
I guess each club sets its own standards over time through trial and error. Some get it right (as we might agree). Some demand standards that are expensive, and yet their committees aren't all that sympathetic to any super that don't give it to them. Cutting 10-25% will invariably be taken out of the super's hide, one way or the other. But, who will lower their expectations to a functional, yet austere set of standards?