this is a tough one!
i agree with whats been said about Keen and phone readers. it's easy for just anyone to create an account and create a following by telling people what they want to hear - with absolutely NO talent. worst case scenario they get bad feedback and create a new account name.
i have read with local readers. one i went to totally did the curse thing after looking at my hand for less than 5 mins. she could remove it for only $500 folks! just by burning some candles. well, i know my way around some candles, so i didn't need her help with that. i've read with some others in person that were quite good. i found them on yelp or through word of mouth. however, they haven't all worked out well. meaning, one guy i thought was terrible. the reading was $250. he was a medium. and pretty much EVERYTHING he said was wrong about my family, past, those passed over, etc. i was getting irritated. but i've had a couple others that were more right than wrong.
the thing with local readers is they can wait to see your reactions. you know, it's like when some Keen readers throw a general statement out there to see how you respond, then go one of many ways to explain more what they mean based on how you answered. something like - i see you are having some difficulties. you could say.. OMG YES! or you could say - yeah, i guess so or say - well, i WAS but not anymore. in situation 1 they would just say - see! and wait to see if you give them more info. the 2nd situation they'd say well, it's not TERRIBLE difficulties, but you are struggling (duh, why else would i be here) and the 3rd they would say - ohhh, maybe thats it. it's showing as present, but it must be that you are coming out of it.
now, take all of that and then think how much MORE the readers can get by your facial expressions and body language. a lot.
once again though, i have had some really great moments and readings with people, so i'm not saying local or phone readers are or not legit. but i just think, depending on the gimmick or trick that some use they can play off of that based on the platform in which they are reading you.