Rich, One of the problems I have with all of this, is the need to always want to change something that is so perfect to begin with. Yes, This is undoubtedly where we part--the need for change. In my stubborn ways, and lack of length, I don't feel there are weaknesses on a course that is and always should be kept in a vaccuum.
I guess this is just another reason why I don't care one bit about professional golf and its circus-like atmosphere that is tearing the game apart because of the need to reach out to the consumer/viewer. The Old Course isn't perfect, that is what makes it perfect. Its funny that this stretch of linksland seems to ward off all technologies and still get used, even though they seem to find another tee a few yards back again and again. There must be some reason why they keep wanting to use it for the Open Championship!
And then there is the fact that you have the Links Trust that is constantly screwing with the course which in the past ten-15 years has accellerated its manicured, "Americanization" of features. (Spoken perfectly by you, in an almost American Kitsch Pop Culture-tone that has given me a vision of a staring into the lense with no smile, Andy Warhol--garbed in a hot pink-hued cardigan w/ matching Tam standing in front of the Road Hole Bunker. Its getting that ridiculous looking.)
Still, the Old Course seems to ride the tide, and hopefully will continue to do so for many centuries to come. Remember, we are talking of a course that the game has been played on since 1426, maybe even earlier. (personally, I think so. I think this is where it all began.)