Flagstick: Friend Or Foe?

We hear a lot of different opinions on the 'flagstick in or out' option these days. Though that has mainly to do with the new rules allowing you to putt on the greens with the flag still in the hole while unattended. 

After watching some of these PGA TOUR guys ring the ball off the flagpole, you might think they'd have preferred to have it out. From as much as 100 yards.