That's a good point, but for the recreational player, I don't think that's an issue. On the rare occasion that I actually get out to play a round of golf with customers, I have to laugh at some of the things they do during a round of golf. Gimmies, missed tap-ins, incorrect dropping procedures, etc. If you take a gimmie, you technically have technically taken an x and have to post your handicap max for the hole. If you miss a tap-in, it counts.

The way I see it, there are two kinds of players: the recreational player out to have fun and the competitive player (net or gross). The recreational player will (and in my opinion, should) take all the advantages they can get. The tournament player will stay within the USGA guidelines with equipment selection for competitive play. I don't think either option is right or wrong, it's just a preference.

I remember reading in a magazine earlier this year how with all the technological advances, the average score has only increased a stroke or two in the last ten years.

It's my opinion that the only statistic that technology has improved is driving. Scores will never go down dramatically until technology produces equipment that makes people better chippers and putters without increasing practice. That's where all the missed strokes are for most players.