Wow. This is a great discussion here.
Just though I'd drop a couple of points...
Magic is an aesthetic entity. It is meant to be heard and seen. Just like every morning, when one chooses which D.C. comic book character t-shirt he's going to wear to wear to work, which will give everyone else an impression of him, based purely by sight (am I feeling like Aquaman today?), the props one chooses to use does have an effect on a performance. Initial impressions count for a lot.
If I choose to perform with my Iraq's Most Wanted plastic coated deck, it will be saying something, as opposed to if I choose to perform with some black Tally-Ho's. Just like if I choose to wear a "foxy grandpa" t-shirt to a cocktail party, rather than my Armani suit (I wish...).
Magic, while almost entirely based how one presents, is dependent on how one presents himself.
As far as this whole style argument that has suddenly sprung up, closeup is closeup, as far as I'm concerned, in spite of the packaging. Cool factor is important, I won't lie. But it only holds up for so long. Like Harry Potter or most American-Italian food, once you get past the initial phase of "that's cool," there is no depth. Basically, initial impression upon an audience should be backed up and pushed forward.
Whether or not the audience thinks the deck is cool, they'll be raving once you pull out the Simple Switch. But just trust me on this. The Simple Switch with Gaurdians looks tres tres cooler than with Iraq's Most Wanted.
And if they try and call you on a trick deck, whip out some Sybil and they'll swear you sold your soul to the devil (not to some online store...heheh, only joking about that part...)
This whole thread has been quite interesting to read. I certainly cannot wait to see where it goes next.
)