I wasn't going to respond to this thread as it looked like just another whinge at first glance.
I do agree that putting has changed a little, and lipouts and burning edges or stopping agonisingly short of the hole has increased. But is that really a bad thing? Usually all of those are caused due to user error, speed or line is too hard/soft, incorrect line or both. I do think WGT do adjust the speed slightly and IMO this just replicates real golf. And in fairness this happens to me on the real course as well.
geraldlarousse:I don't mind the VEM or whatever you call it, but when playing for credits messing with putts is quite concerning
Now for me this is the only valid point - it is meant to be a game of skill not a lottery. In other words have a level playing field (including wind).
That said a number of top players no longer play, or play less and less (I will name one player whom has done so much for the community - Legendcrusher is one player). There are many reasons and by making the game a lottery is one of them (although not a major factor IMO). Perhaps when a player gets to a certain level and has mastered this game it just gets boring especially when we only get one course a year for stroke play (excluding best ofs and pitch and putts). And perhaps WGT recognise this aspect, so the majority of equipment etc is aimed at the middle level and tiered players, so revenue increases whilst development costs reduce. So as long as new players continue to join and play, the net gain far outweighs those who leave and often will be players past the stage of putting real money in.
Smart play WGT, provided those newbies keep coming, otherwise it is death on your own sword.
Edit: The Title is a little disturbing too - so are you saying to the overwhelming majority of people who have mundane jobs (or unemployed) or people who have no goals, Why Bother? Wrong attitude IMHO - I would rather people push their boundaries in the pursuit for excellence. A battler will always win in my books over someone who gives up.