Chiriku
I guess it's like you say---that the lack of a question makes it seem more fun and maybe more psychic on the part of the reader if they can hit on the right things without a specific question. That's perfectly fine if it works for the reader the best. But I like a question the best because it helps me to get to the point and give them the best information on their present concerns.
That about sums it up for me.
I don't claim to be psychic, and even point out ahead of time to my querents that I'm not and that I use tarot to get different sorts of answers, anyway.
This anecdote illustrates my thoughts on the matter:
I was the reader at a party not that long ago. A handful of the sitters were self-identified tarotists (although not necessarily Tarot Enthusiasts; see my recent thread on the subject). They convinced their non-tarotist friend, who'd never had a reading, to sit for one with me. He was trying to make a mundane but important decision about real estate, and I offered a choices-based spread.
"Tell me more about the different options you're considering," I said.
He looked taken aback. "Well, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of you doing a reading on the subject?" Then, being an apparently clever man, he seemed to think better of it, and said, almost to himself, "No, I suppose not, given what you said earlier about using readings to get useful options and insight. The more information I give you, the more detailed and useful answers you can give me."
Precisely.