There is no doubt in my mind that the VEM which has existed has been turned up. I can handle a missed ding ending up badly but when I do hit the ding I am getting more unexpected results (for the worse) than previously..
Is VEM a bad thing? Not in my book as I can hit a great shot on the real course and end up short or long as I didn't gauge the wind, in particular, swirling winds. BUT when the physics of the shots defy logic (such as a 3I going 278 yards) it is a not realistic. Sure I can live with plus or minus 10 yards but any more is simply not possible particularly shorter clubs (and I am sure Ren would have checked to make sure he didn't scroll a club up before hitting).
The greens have become monumentally harder to putt, and I know I am not the only player to have a dramatic increase on lipped putts. Again I will not complain on this one, as true championship course greens you need a perfect putt to be struck (line and speed) even on putts under 5 feet.
Yes I am sure the VEM has been increased to prevent really low scores (but looking at tournament scoreboards shows it hasn't) and after all many of us have said in the past, the game is too easy. I am sure we all have been affected but t the end of the day, some players obviously are simply better at adapting.
Will I quit the game? NO as I still love it and all I can do is take one shot at a time, cuss, and take another shot.