Since I organize most of my trips, I structure it towards what I like and what everyone can afford -- and I inflate everyone's budgeted amount by 10%. And some of them are going to complain no matter where you play, so play where you want to play.
Llamas notwithstanding, I didn't enjoy much about Talamore and remember very little - the +600 yard first hole and the llama pen on 16.
Pine Needles and Mid-Pines are way, way better in every respect, all 19 holes of each of them. Mid-Pines is one of my personal top 5 and can't think of a better place to contest a close round match with a bunch of my pals, especially when there is bragging rights and money on the line. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
PS -- re: The Pit -- it has A LOT of whimsy & quirk to it, and you're better off knowing that and prepping your group, because you'll be getting an earful post- round.