I'm with you on this. For example, a lot of people consider Firestone a "classic" course because it is old, but in reality it is just a long, narrow, tree-lined course. There is one strategy - hit it in the narrow fairway, hit it on the flat green. Boring. The USGA really seems to have moved away from that type of course.
But, Oakmont is a fantastic course, especially after the redo. The greens are wild and the holes really demand a lot of strategic decisions.
I have a strong bias towards Oak Hill because I grew up playing and caddying there. In 2003 the rough got too penal, but the East really is a great Donald Ross course with the exception of a couple holes that Tom Fazio screwed up (literally everything he did to the course was bad). They need to trim substantially or cut down about 1,000 trees (its name is appropriate). But I think it would (and does) differ from the boring parkland courses because it can allow for different decisions depending on the conditions. There are some great shorter holes and some brawny long par 4s. If they are not afraid to give up -8 or -10 to the winner, it would provide an excellent test and a fun tournament to watch. The membership rests much pride on its prior brutal tournaments though, so don't bet on it! Actually, the West course is a more pure Ross track with much wilder greens. The members far prefer playing the West.
Actually, I give Bill Haas a legitimate shot at OHCC given his track record on similar courses (East Lake, Congressional). He will also have the benefit of Billy Harmon's wisdom - Billy is his coach and worked as an assistant there for a number of years under his brother Craig. He also caddied for Jay for years.