Stefan, good article. I read through it and both agree and disagree. I have the same reservations regarding readings that you do, and having read 'Scryer and Friends', found myself rolling my eyes at some of the blessings that the book contained.
I disagree, however, with your perception that all is age-old deception. More and more, genuinely psychologically based effects are being performed (I'd be happy to send you some of my own creation). Yes, some choose to dishonestly market themselves, and yes, some effects are based on trickery, but in many cases, this subterfuge is essential in the suspension of disbelief that allows effects based in pure psychology to work.
I think the two will always be mixed together, but with the success of the 'Psychological Subtleties' series, I think there is more interest than ever before in creating something closer to the real thing.
In fact, I related in my blog an experience where the real thing happened. You can read that at:
Http://atlasmentalism.blogspot.com