Jon-
It would by hypocritical of me to say now that the bunker style at Bel-Air was offensive, particularly since I wasn't aware of what the original Billy Bell style was to begin with. With that said, I am a big fan of what LACC is doing in terms of returning their bunkers to the original style. The bunkers at LACC that had been completed are visually stunning and will provide even more character to the course.
Two things at Bel-Air bothered me much more than the bunker style. First, as I said in another thread, the introduction of water features at Bel-Air struck me as totally contrived (in fact, they were reminiscent of Shadow Creek in their appearance). Second, the encroachment of trees at Bel-Air really detracts from what would otherwise be incredible vistas of the hills and city. They also play havoc with a few of the tee shots.
As to whether the style of bunker edges at a course matters as much as location/placement, I would say it does not from a strategic point of view. From an asthetic point of view, I would much prefer to see the return to the original bunker style. Another reason why LACC North will nudge ahead of Riviera in my book once the bunker restoration has been completed.
Jim