Tony,
Its always nice to see the shots land....it encourages posing after the shot, which makes the bucket (or pyramid) last longer.
I'm with you on shot pattern, but better players could probably complain about wind directions, etc. that might affect their ability to practice. As elevated tees, average golfers love it, and good ones know how much it affects their distance.
The first bad range/good course combo that comes to mind is Castle Pines, where they apparently forced a range into an uphill situation to save land.