Randy,
There is nothing wrong with The Cliffs that a good fire, couple old dozers, you, Don M, and a few hundred thousand couldn't cure. Nice setting and some decent bones.
Regarding AGC and the current Texas drought/heat situation, the major criticisms of the course that I've heard, particularly during its first couple of years, revolved around the rugged, rustic surrounds which resulted in lost balls and high scores. Not that these fires should be viewed in any positive terms, but perhaps they may make it easier to keep the natives in check on an ongoing basis, making the course more playable and providing less fuel for future fires.
Having lived in Texas for 30 years, one can bet the ranch that extreme weather is the norm and we will be having these discussions again and again. Among the many challenges we face down here, water management is one of the most critical.