Michael W:
Agree with your definition of quirk -- no need for the big item. Wolf Creek presents a wider variety of those smaller situations than many might surmise. The unexpected is part of the package when playing there. Those expecting 100% fairness will not be happy campers.
Andy:
I would not define what you find at Water Gap and Glenbrook as quirk -- likely there's another adjective I would use to highlight what you find there. No doubt those who enjoy playing there can rest assured that they won't need to worry about me and my gang taking a tee time from anyone who embraces that sort "creative" design.
Jason:
You doubt it.
C'mon wake up my good man.
If I moved the exact Klondyke and Dell holes and situated them directly in Mesquite, Nevada it's highly likely -- if not downright certain -- that the same people who bitch and moan about what's already there at Wolf Creek would CONTINUE to say the very same thing.
Location is a big part of the inherent nature in which people define quality golf. There are way too many people on this site who automatically give the benefit of doubt to any course in Ireland and simply pan anything that has a zip code indicating Nevada.
Let me also point out that the playability argument is not without issue with Klondyke and Dell. Both have elements that can easily limit recovery options -- in similar ways to what you find at Wolf Creek.
Your understanding of Wolf Creek is also a bit foggy. There are plenty of recovery options that go beyond the ill-informed notion you present that all such situations require a drop. I don't doubt that the environmental sensitive areas are an issue -- but only for those who are so WILD as to reach them in the sheer majority of cases.
In the holes I mentioned previously architect Rider included an array of different design features that elevate the holes into more than just a spot occupying terrain in the desert.
Jason, keep in mind, that Wolf Creek works best as a match play venue - the stroke play devotees will never enjoy tallying up all their efforts there.