I'm happy you got the chance for such a terrific trip, Ira.
Yes, for me difficult to read greens imply/require the kind of "local knowledge" and "benefit of multiple plays" that I enjoy most and think best.
There is fun/challenge/intrigued in being on the putting surface and trying to "see" the right line. There is much less fun/intrigued for me in managing to hit a good drive on what I've determined is the best line only to "discover" a few moments later that taking on the fairway hazard didn't lead to a better angle or shorter approach, but to nothing in particular at all.
Not sure why, but the first kind of "hmm, I learned something" is enjoyable, while the second kind isn't. Maybe because in the former case I myself missed the seeing (but might have seen rightly, even on a first play) while in the latter case the architect tried to purposely make sure I didn't see/choose the right line.
Also, I think in the former case, those greens will always remain tricky to read, while with the latter the trick is exposed and the jig is up after one play.
Peter