Are you still interested in having a copy of the earlier version, pippi, or has your experience soured you to the whole thing? I have a copy of the matte version with the squared corners that wants to find a new home -- I love the artwork but just haven't used the deck and it really deserves to be used. I was going to post it in the trading forum but if you're interested...
By the way, the earlier deck has a very interesting matte finish -- some of the elements of each picture have a slight gloss to them so the images give the impression of having texture. You have to see it to appreciate it (I know some other matte decks have a similar finish but, with the artwork, it really looks nice here.) I think that's why the colors "pop" so well. It's a shame if that has been lost by the high gloss and lamination on the newer version.