Perhaps the typical American golfer has little exposure to blindness, or severely canted greens. Another example is a very difficult short hole, like the 14th at Bandon Trails. American courses are generally straightforward. That's what we're used to.
Furthermore, you have the occasional public remark from respected champions, like Tiger or Jack, which molds public opinion. I'd argue that great golfers dislike quirk, because it tends to even the playing field. When Tiger says "It's all there out in front of you", people listen.
Americans, or at least Golf Digest raters, aren't completely obtuse. At least four top ten courses (Merion, Oakmont, Crystal Downs, NGLA) have blind or unusual shots.
Here in Oregon, most of the better players I know here have a pretty narrow perspective on what constitutes good golf. They are so accustomed to the narrow, tree-lined courses here, with small, tilted disk greens. Shape your drive, and throw your dart in there. The introduction of Bandon Dunes, as well as greater access of information about golf through the Internet, is slowly changing that perspective.
Do you really like blind shots? A few are good; they test the golfer's ability to aim using other landmarks, and then trust himself. Then if the shot is well executed, a hopeful and anxious walk to see the result ensues. But in general, I like to watch.
To summarize, I say not obtuse, just uneducated about some of the game's subtleties.