Just played a cabo 50 credit RG. Missed one putt that was all me and from 6 effin feet lol, just meant to fire early and dinged. Geez I wonder at myself sometimes.
For me I had one instance of bad VEM. I missed the ding only slightly, and into the into the wind having set to ding. My 3 wood approach to that par 5 had, for me, the full penalty visited, and I finished 32 feet from the pin. My putt 32 foot putt was up 4. On V Fast greens I use a simple 85% rule after 10 feet, and go firm. I hit that putt for 33 feet, and watched it lurch 21 feet. Flat enough putt for bird, but more of a test than I was looking forward to. I double checked everything that time so am pretty sure I hit as intended.
IMHO opinion VEM plays too much of a part overall, but it is random, and not directed at one player to make sure they lose or win. For me the equipment has surpassed what the platform was intended to cope with, and it's simply creaking a bit. I will plod away at the lower end RGs now and then, and try to treat it as more for just plain fun. The 18 hole St As RG you referred to sees the winner with a 52, and 58 (when it pays) not looking flash at all?. Well that's out of my league and I know it..maybe one day :)
RGs are way of perfect but not what you say from what I see. I accept you are at a higher playing level, but to miss all of what you are seeing ..well I don't think I am that bad either. Not saying that the odd WTTTFFF does not happen. Holes that might play short anyway suddenly *(&(^ and so on can and does happen. I get that and back away from them, but I don't see it as often. Me or the game? Not all me. I retreat to the safety of A/S in my CC or something easy, and maybe try again another day.
You are overdue recording as you go. Not trying be curt, just please get a cheapo WTF round on video - happens so often to you so easy enough. Else why bother with these rants when no one thinks you are being balanced in your opinion's.