I don't think par is all that important. When someone tells me they shot a 75, I would really rather they say they were 3 over or 5 over for the day since they could be playing a par 72 or par 70 course. I agree that it is just a number, it takes the number of strokes it takes. I feel the same way about the hole by hole handicap rating. A particular hole may be the #1 handicap hole, but if it fits my eye and my game, it could be the 18th handicap hole for me.... Who cares anyway. A 4 counts 4 strokes if it is on a par 5 or par 3....