One day I hope, there will be a larger number of east coast GCA'ers that will experience Ballyhack .... and conduct their own test of the question posed by this thread.
How does Tobacco Road work with this thread? Has it evolved from controversial (because it is well known) to something else?
Those two thoughts illustrate the many facets of what makes a course "controversial." Like others said earlier, there is a distinction between controversy that is based on difficulty / playability, versus controversy based on course styles / preferences. Also, I think there's a distinction to be made between controversial "design" vs controversial "set-up."
With respect to Tobacco Road, I think you're really talking about the "polarizing" version of controversial. At first, it may have been controversial because it was so different and shocking. It's perceived difficulty was controversial, but once people realized it was more "visual intimidation" as opposed to true punitive obstacles, that element of the controversy was lessened. As it's become more well known, I think it's really more a matter of love/hate relative to your opinion on blind shots.
With respect to Ballyhack, the severe topography is bound to cause some controversy on the "preference" level. If someone hates uneven stances, awkward lies and severely uphill or downhill approaches, Ballyhack is simply not going to be their cup of tea, which is really no reflection on the design. I play on a course that is a ski resort in the winter, so Ballyhack's land or a ball 6-8 inches above or below my feet doesn't phase me in the least - but I realize not everyone enjoys that like I do. But there is no doubt that Ballyhack's design meets the "fun" threshold, with plenty of options, daring shots, 1/2 par holes, interesting greens, etc.
But where there is often controversy is really in the "set-up" rather than the actual design. How close to the playing corridor is the "lost ball rough"? How severe is the rough maintained in the first cut? While I have not been to Dismal, the sense I received from the various threads was that there was a softening in the set-up over the years, which reduced controversy. At Ballyhack, I have noticed a significant difference in the course from the first time I played it in 2010, compared to recent visits. There is a much more "absolute" punishment for missed shots in recent years. Is it the proper balance? It's hard to say, but the difference of opinions are bound to cause some controversy.