Bob,
First and foremost, it was good to see you in New York recently.
I think the phone message provided an inkling as to how out of control some people can get about what's typed on GCA.com
In the group I've been playing with for 45+ years, we don't concede any putts, since it's foursomes against foursomes. (threesomes against threesomes, best ball of two and singles matches against other groups)
Whenever a new golfer (read pidgeon) comes into our group (on double secret probation) they're shocked when informed that their one foot putt isn't good. It unnerves them and usually results in more than a few missed putts, especially if they've been playing "leather" in their other games.
When matches are head to head, distance becomes a factor of how generous you feel like being, AND, the amount of the wager.
For $ 2, you can have anything within 3 feet. For $ 2,000 I think you'd better putt everything out.