Ian,
That's a great question. My disclaimer would be that I'm not as nearly well traveled as many of the folks on here, but there has to be an answer to your question.....
My first thought is spines in greens. Diagonally, front to back, side to side......I like the several greens at Jackson CC (Jackson, MI) that incorporate this.
I don't think I'm qualified to answer your next question, because I haven't re-created a lot of ODG work. But, I will say this; The methodology of that era (Ross, MacKenzie, MacDonald, etc.) was all over the map.....local farmers, traveling foremen, etc. that it's tough to know what's appropriate on a site that has already had wholesale changes. I did some work at Barton Hills recently...and there's neat green pads there, that have really abrupt edges and fall-offs...youd almost have to make a push with the dozer blade, stop, leave that hard edge, and then shovel and rake to finish it off for the proper look and feel. That's a challenge....finding unconventional ways to utilize modern equipment to make old looking work. It's a fun challenge!
On site story: I was working with the course owner at The Rose, felling trees. He sets down the saw, takes off running, and returns a few minutes later carrying his Carrharts....fast forward a couple days, when his daughter rolls up and says "Dad, I'm cold." He offers his Carrharts, still in the bed of his truck because of the previous "incident". She accepts. I asked him if he had washed them...."Oh Sh*t!!!"
Joe