babayada: YOu've barely scratched the surface of Numerology as a whole system instead of just one sect vs. another sect.
However, each sect is correct in its own way of analyzing words but only provides an appromixation to the total insight.
For example, Kabalarians rigidly claim only the first name and the last name form the major core vibrations unless the person purposely also use the middle name (ie: written or verbal). I prove to be the exception because my middle name does vibrate (due to master number) without any necessary use. I realized this after spending countless hours analyzing, intuiting (sic), and studying on my own outside the doctrine of KBP.
For anyone who understand Numer, the middle name provides the 2nd major core. I theorize that both cores vibrate, eventually, simultaneously to add more complexity of human individuation.
Next, nOt only do you have to learn the different sects but also apply it. I've explored in many ways from analyzing movies, my names, other people's names, to asking clairvoyant mediums. The latter is the most astonishing because this current medium is 100% accurate in describing the vibrations of the names I asked about.
Kaiden: Yes, respect the numbers. 
This is the Gregorian's matrix, IMO.
shr33m: I like the Sedona method. Unfortunately, when one has some million lives (Earh isn't the only planet with life), the method cannot account for the previous stuff which surface in the present.
SRT by Robert E. Detzler is the one I recommend from experience. His applied theory on past life karmic issues is to burn it to the roots so it never regenerates again. But he says he's not the total "magic wand."
