Michael,
Great question... here's my take.
Thick rough on both sides of the fairway is very much a do-or-die proposition. On a fairway like the 11th at Merion especially, where it is less than a driver off the tee (and thus there is little consideration in terms of strategy about what club to hit because you are always just hitting whatever clubs gets you down the hill), rough on both sides means there is no strategy. Hit the fairway or don't... sure this puts pressure on the golfer, but it doesn't add to strategy.
The water left of 18 at Doral, no that's not strategic either. Again, it's do or die because of the bunkering/rough/trees to the right. No real advantage is gained playing up the left as the approach angle is easier from the right. Not much thought, just execute.
There was some debate already about the 18th at Pebble re strategy. Again, there is water left and bunkers/ob right so it is execute or re-load. At least here there is an option to hit less club off the tee, which is a form of strategy (in my mind), but I don't think this is a great strategic hole. Sure, playing down the left leaves a shorter second shot, but few golfers can actually reach the green in two and the angle for laying-up is more difficult from the left (trees in the fairway aside).