It is odd that I noticed differences....
...the Steventon's Goddesses and Heroines deck, first printing is gloriously pretty and very well done--of course the deck is new and I was able to see a friend's copy first. The smell did go away with mine, after airing and when I did find a copy.
I obtained a Spiral recently in 2007 and while I did not keep my earlier edition, it seems fine. But I have noticed and commented on how an older U.S. Games Visconti seems in better and more beautiful printing shape then the newer versions, which have darker and muddier colors compared to older editions or Italian editions.
I am wondering if popular decks had some bad print runs and reprint issues--and the tarot community of users/readers wanting to use their deck often, one does notice differences and feel of their favorite editions...
The first Celestial I had was printed in China and looks more faded and feels more pebbly than the subsequent book and deck editions printed in Italy. But the cards are in good shape--so the cards stock are not different to me.
Over time I can see the wear on the Celestial book corners and dinged edges, but I put that down to use. The cards themselves...I've been fortunate since my first deck.
Best wishes,
Cerulean