re: Looking for opinions on playing by the rules but also being “fair”

In my group (handicaps range from +4 to 12), we generally try to play it down within reason. Our bunkers are garbage, so we usually allow for rake and replace, but this is always stipulated ahead of the round.

I personally struggle with the concept of hitting it in the middle of the fairway and having a garbage lie due to poor course conditions, but in my group am in the minority with this opinion. Since we almost always play it down, I am learning to make better contact from these marginal spots.