I do see both sides of this for sure. We are in the age of internet and thus the fact networking and advertising is easy, especially with the likes of facebook. So any new deck can be touted quickly and easily, and if it is posted on relevant forums cannot do anything other than garner some interest, even if only from a few.
Tie that in with a few variables:
*** Access to print your own sites that are actually easy to use, and can produce some quality cards.
*** Less cards in the deck, which means it is quicker to produce a Lenormand deck.
*** Less system knowledge needed. I mean, at the end of the day an anchor is an anchor. A ship is a ship. So newbies and experienced alike are also able to create a deck and does not lessen the fact it is a readable Lenormand deck.
*** It is the latest 'in thing' and is part of a rapidly expanding market, both for decks and in those who are eager to learn the system. I just find it very telling there is an explosion of decks, but still only a handful of books available that are printed in English.
So on one hand, I feel it is a little bit of a bandwagon. And I too have stopped looking at the latest release, and wondering if I should consider it. I feel like I am in a sweetshop but at the moment, but have gone off the taste of chocolate. It just is not doing anything for me. (If that makes sense).
Yet on the other hand, I do agree with Lee. It opens us up to some decks that are actually rather good. And also allows the modern approach to cater for modern trends, citing the extra male/female cards as an example. Whereas we saw the explosion of tarot decks take a few decades, it seems Lenormand is following the path of electronic gadgets - it is expanding and growing at a pace that I just can't keep up with. And as I have never purchased a cell phone (all 3 of my mobile phones have been hand-me-downs of some vintage) I really do not feel I want to be part of that journey.
However, I do wish all the creators all the success for their creations. The style they choose may well resonate with others and they may well make a few sales. I just can't help but think though, whilst the market is a little too saturated for now, there may be others that just get lost in the noise, and may not do as well. Yet the same effort would have been put into their creation. A double edged sword indeed eh.
I did create 2 of my own, but they were one off's to help me with my learning during during those early stages of finding my feet. So I may be part of the problem, but I hope not. Mine are not for sale, never will be and are personal use printed decks. But it did make me realise how easy it would be compared to creating a tarot deck, and that is the main reason I believe the market is being flooded.
I only have one deck on my radar which is on order. Once it arrives I do not see the need to consider any others. My Lenormand collection will be less than 10 (Inclusive of the two I made for myself) and I am more than happy with that. My kid-in-a-sweetshop days are well and truly over