Some of the modern card depictions have more to do with modern meanings than the original ones. I agree, periodically go back to the original meanings as a cross-check to your readings so that they don't get too fanciful.
So I prefer a deck that emphasizes (or at least doesn't contradict) the original meanings. For instance:
The Tower was originally long-life and happy old age. There's nothing about isolation or separation in the original concept. So my first thought when I see the card is longevity or taking the long-view or higher perspective on something. (I also use it for large buildings, corporations, institutions, etc., in contrast to House.)
1846: "Tower announces a long life and happy old age, but surrounded by clouds, it announces a disease, even depending on the circumstances also death."
BTW, remember that the original text uses "surrounded by clouds" to refer to unclear images found in coffee-cups - so, in many cases, it really means surrounded by negative cards.
Birds originally had nothing to do with communication. It was difficulties, i.e., temporary worries, stress - the idea of gossip is not that far from the original. Far away, in a GT, it is a 'happy trip,' which can often be seen as a vacation or weekend getaway. In the Game of Hope one was sent to it as a trip to the Canary Islands! (BTW, I do use it for phone calls and face-to-face communications, too.)
1846: "Birds means difficulties that one will have to withstand, but of short duration. Far from the person, this card is the sign of a happy trip."
Added: So the number of Birds on the card is not relevant to the original meaning.
