Well, I just scanned the titles of all threads on 14 pages and could not believe this title....flatsigned or inscribed?....was not among them, and we all could use a new thread!
As Caretaker of Betts Books, I get asked this question several times a year....flatsigned or inscribed?
In my opinion, it is a personal choice as I know collectors who only collect flatsigned and others who LIKE inscriptions, even if it is to someone other than themself.
Myself, I own multiple versions of both....inscriptions to another person do not bother me in the least and I own what I think are some really cool inscriptions.
In terms of value, I think flatsigned might be a little bit more "universal" and favored over inscribed copies...I know some collectors ONLY want flatsigned...Not sure I know of collectors (am sure they are out there) that ONLY want inscribed copies. For me, I like inscribed books because a) they are harder to fake, b) I like having more King handwriting than just a signature (and sometimes a date).
So, in the end, I own and like BOTH, and I see value in both, but again, I think it is a personal preference.