Well I played the 1k and 2k RGs, and I think they are are great addition to the game. For the 2k one, I couldn't buy a putt, must have missed 6 bird putts inside 9ft. I made up for it with a solid round in the 1k one and currently have the lead. It certainly forces you to play well from the start and if you don't basically you are on damage control trying to recoup a portion of you entry fee. In my opinion, the price is steep for a 9hole round since you can't recover from a slow start or a bad meter or bounce. Going to 18 allows you to get rolling and recover. I guess that is the trade off for trying to win big and typically some of the best players will be shooting so you had better bring your best game. Although I may win the 1k RG, and lose half my entry fee for the 2k one, I in all likelihood won't play the 2k 1 that much. The 1k I feel is fine for a 9 holer but 2k I need to be sure that I'll play well based off my play that day. However, I would hit up a 2k event for 18 holes whenever I'm grinding out the RGs.
Yes, the tees will certainly help out those baggers and give them a big advantage in some cases. I'm not sure what the solution is however. Restricting them to tiers only would increase the time for 50 entrees, since alot of players don't have the credits to afford a poor rd. Not restricting of course leads to baggers playing. Although I'm a firm believer that with the addition of the new clubs/drivers/balls etc.. being a legend isn't the challenge it once was. Not that I'm complaining. If you bring you A game you are going to score and place well. Certainly some course will lead to more eagle chances from shorter tees and that is something we as legends can't control.
I applaud WGT for taking listening to the suggestions and trying to implement them in the game. This is a great start and will be a great addition, although I'm thinking that on the long run, with keeping the cost for 9holes where they are now, participation in these will taper off with the usual suspects playing them.
Just my take,
Jon