TE, I agree that PV wasn't meant for everyone, and that's what makes it so intimidating and rewarding. At PV do-or-die shots abound and you know you must hit nearly every shot well to avoid double bogies or worse. And IMHO PV is penal in the right manner, as opposed to Oakmont where it's mainly penal because of the ridiculously speedy greens.
In warming up, I dropped 3 balls on the practice green, turned around to talk to my friend, and when I turned back to hit some practice putts my balls had rolled 25 feet away from me. It was a long day, and not all that much fun.
At PV, after the trepidation of the first round, I played well, kept it in play and was rewarded with a good score. I guess that's why it's rated No. 1 -- no tricks just great, demanding holes with plenty of variety.