Minor arcana
Look on utube for Dale Jackson. She reads only court cards, aces and major arcana. She calls it "The Dale Jackson Way." I've often considered trying it myself, but there's something I like about the personalized aspect of the minor arcana. If I were reading about a more abstract or universal consideration, like "will we go to war?" I would not use the minor arcana. I think it really is a matter of what kind of question is asked. But, the minor arcana personalizes, refines and clarifies a situation it seems to me.
I think your take, Miss Nine to Five", is also a good one. It is sort of like spiritual input from a "higher source" in order to clarify it. Sometimes we are too close to a situation to see it and a little "distance" gives a new perspective.