After this, finally, evolved into a decent discussion rather than a pissing match, it allowed some very good personal explanations of the topic.
I would add one thing I believe is missing. That is that there are 2 types of players, when it comes to games like this, who will rise to the top. You have the meticulous, precise, equation working player and you have the player who plays mostly by feel, more trial & error than the equation player, but also is doing formulas in their heads, though these formulas would never be accepted by any math professor.
You probably need to be one of those types of players to even make any sense out of how the 2nd player goes about it. I can't really explain it myself, except to say, in college algebra I could get the correct answer to a word problem in my head, but never figured out the meaning of the written formula's I was being taught. I always got half credit on tests because I could get the answer just not show my work. That's the best I can relate my approach to the game, and it's the only approach I know and ever will.
Because of this, those 2 types of players will always have a different view on VEM and its affect on their game. I do agree, also finally, that it does take time to understand how the wind, elevation, club, & ball will affect their shot. And I personally believe VEM affects putts mostly, not so much approach shots or drives.
Now, though, this topic has led me to believe that those who approach the game in a very similar way will have a different take on when and how VEM may affect their play, than those who approach the game in a manner opposite than they do.