Hello,
Regarding Dr. Ben-Dov's work, I can say that his text is refreshing compared to A. Jodorowsky's in that his teaching style allows for what any reader may or not bring to the cards already. His open method would work with those correspondences one already employs, I think. I did not realize until starting The Open Reading that Dr. Ben-Dov had studied with Alejandro Jodorowsky. Dr. Ben-Dov writes not as an authority--which he is--but as a gentle guide to exploring the reader's own relationship with the cards, as well as with the people for whom he or she reads the cards, and the relationships among the cards themselves. I'm not knocking Way of Tarot, though. I got a lot out of it and left some behind.
I received the CBD Tarot cards a long time ago and promised Dr. Ben-Dov an objective review if I used a forum such as this. I haven't contributed here, but I might start. I am so pleased to see this enormous thread about his restoration, and now, his book. There isn't much more positive light I can shine on these cards. The only negative that I perceived at first, and which was influenced by the pre-63 Grimaud that I was handling a lot when I got the CBD, was that the cardstock was thin. It really isn't so thin, and the cards have held up to a couple years' worth of use. They continue to look almost new, in fact. The restoration of lines and color is quite elegant. The entire production is top of the mark. For reading, comparison, contemplation, or just plain enjoyment of the images that comprise this tradition, this deck is a worthy addition to the taroist's toolbox.
I purchased Dr. Ben-Dov's book and am midway through a first reading of it, and I love it so far. As I said, he is a gentle guide as to what these images *may* signify for the reader. There are no absolutes, but "everything is a symbol!" Good Stuff.