A. Mention of Tot Hill's closing three is interesting, as they are the most unlike the other 15 of any course I've played (Outside of Irish, whose close I despise.) I enjoyed the close at THF, but I would not put it anywhere near Merion, the only truly great course in PA that I've seen. Fox Chapel's close (Prize Dogleg, Redan, Home) is actually pretty fine, now that I think of it. I'd rank that one up there.
B. Does it matter what length the holes are? Short (under 250) medium (250 to 470) or long (470 and up)? Notice I don't mention par, as it is irrelevant. I like the idea of a blend of lengths to finish, so the Old Course's finish doesn't exactly do it for me. Honestly, is 18 that great a hole, without the setting? 17 is terrific and 16 is undervalued (with the exception of the notoriety of the Nose bunkers), but I wouldn't rate it higher than Merion.