Joe - this is not a ball buster, just my thoughts...
I think the intention for the MAC is to give Ams the experience of playing in a larger tournament without paying a $100 entry fee. Tee times for instance are never utilized for a C or B tier. Sometimes A, but not B or C.
With larger tournies, such as GBO, Shunga Nunga, etc., tightening up the fairways and extending them is part of the tournament experience. Admittedly, I tend to shoot below my rating on longer holes, mandos, OB rope, etc. However, I enjoy them more when they are utilized in a tournament. If I want to play the normal course, I go to league or have a casual but serious round with my friends. For tournaments, I personally want the difficulty kicked up a notch.