I was a rater for a couple of years, in hindsight, I saw the course thru the eyes of a 4 handicap, and my preference was for eye candy, elevation change, challenging sand traps, forced carries and enough width to allow my natural draw to start our just to the right of the fairway.
So I hated courses with overgrown trees, flat minimialistic course, anything that was boring.
I don't think I was a good rater based on my game and preferences, but I bet, most raters weren't a whole lot different if they would admit it.