I agree with most of your points.

If a green is huge and flat that is a problem. But if it's huge with a lot of undulations (sp) that is ok. If your 60 feet away on a tough green, 3 putt is a good possibility even for the pros.

Driving distance: Well the problem on a lot of courses here is not the fairway hardness it's the size. A lot of the big hitters don't get much roll anymore. They're bombing it 330 on the fly. I suggest using a lot of split fairways. Grow rough accross what was the fairway from 300-350. Force them to hit a 3 wood off the tee. Leaving a long second shot.

I agree with you though that the best resolution is to add more trouble, not to mess with the equipment. That being said I wouldn't mind seeing them cap equipment where it's at, but reducing equipment like they are suggesting with the balls is a big mistake.