Geoff, Tim, et.al.,
I blame the clubs more than I do the architect they hire.
Long after the architect has left the grounds, the members are left with an altered golf course that is unlikely to be changed again, within the next twenty years.
They have the ulitimate responsibility to protect and preserve the design integrity of the golf course.
Irrespective of the choice of Doak, Forse, Hanse, Pritchard, or Fazio, Nicklaus and Palmer, the course will be CHANGED, and it is up to the membership to make sure that the architect of choice will remain true to the design principles of the original architect.
It is up to the membership to scrutinize and question every facet of every change to a Merion, Oakmont, etc.,etc..
I favor knowledgeable leadership at the club as being the single most important factor in insuring the successful completion
of any project on a club's golf course, and especially a project where there may be changes proposed for the design features of the course.
Would I select architects who agree philosophically with making changes in harmony with the original design principles, absolutely, but unfortunately not all clubs make that choice.