The routing question is a tough one for a regular joe like me. I don't really know what will produce the best holes, but after seeing a course a few times I can wonder about the walk (in terms of green to tee, up n' down, from and to the house), the variety/diversity of shots/tees/greens, the use of nearby areas and blindness. Even if I see lots of problems this in no way means a better routing was available because I usually figure there are reasons why the archie chose what I consider to be a less than desirable routing or that I disagree about the importance or lack of for any particular element. I have my opinions on these matters, but that doesn't make them right.
I feel it is also okay to be critical of a routing even if a better can't be had. This doesn't mean the archie necessarily did a poor a job, only that the routing is limited. This is exactly how I feel about Deal, TOC, Burnham and others. Because the routings may be the only or best choice doesn't to me mean they are good.
Tobacco Road is a case in point for a course that I don't think is routed particularly well, but maybe just well enough with the combo of interesting architecture to be called great. Personally, I think it falls just short, but I could accept the argument of greatness.
Ciao