Homer did say "to hit down and out except for special procedures". Hanging back with a driver is nothing new as you say. There is footage of a young Hogan doing it in a very pronounced manner. Dare I say at the expense of balance? In my opinion though he was mugging for the camera and displaying his long drive, high launch swing. Not his everyday tournament swing here.
Hitting UP is to reduce spin. But Clubs are designed to hit the ball while going down, out and forward.
I swear, if the pro's didn't make so much money on tour, they'd be selling shoes in the woman's department.