Well this is my present take, but glad to be corrected :-)

When the OCT was first proposed (indubitably discovered by Bauval, whatever the sequence of events that led him to this) it generated much interest, even amongst some egyptologists. Since then little has emerged to back it up, and scholars like Belmonte and Magli have shown that astronomically significant alignments, for example the orientation of temples, are related to horizon events (as is the case with many ancient sites worldwide). Then there are the shafts within pyramids (not forgetting Djoser's 'sky box') which some propose are directed to heavenly bodies. Take for example the King's Chamber shafts of Khufu which Gantenbrink showed were laid out to harmonize with the geometry of the pyramid. Even if these are considered to have both geometrical and astronomical significance (a kind of serendipity) obviously geometry came first. Khufu's descending passage is laid out with astonishing precision on the diagonal of the double square yet it points to nothing significant in the IVth dynasty. And while most pyramids and some mastabas have such polar passages directed to the northern sky (although what are we to make of the western passage in the Bent pyramid?) it would seem not to any definite stellar targets.

Yet we know that a very important part of egyptian religion was played out in the sky. The target of the king's journey to become an Akh was seemingly the axis (mooring post?) of the rotating heavens, from where he mysteriously was reborn as a celestial entity on the eastern horizon. (Even if the AE considered the earth as flat they clearly conceived the celestial equator as a rotating circle, which they divided into Decans). But you can't be reborn on the eastern horizon if you are an 'imperishable'. So I see this term as an easily understood contrast between pole and horizon. The two most recognizable constellations are the Plough and Orion - the one representing the imperishables and Orion (with Sirius) rising on the eastern horizon. And while the geometry of Khufu's KC south shaft cannot be put aside it is intriguing that it points to Alnilam (Trimble) and yet is constructed within the pyramid held to represent Alnitak. Perhaps there is something in the OCT after all?

I find the Pyramid Texts confusing - sometimes it seems the reborn king is a companion of Orion, or finds his way to Re's barque. Sometimes he goes to meet the 'Two Enneads', whatever they are. Perhaps it is just poetry, a collection of evocative spells. But then we know the AE were hopelessly superstitious and preyed upon by freeloading priests. So while she might be anathematized by scholars that she has offended I find Conman's approach not unreasonable - the idea of good and bad celestial entities, effectively a kind of astrology. Superstition is rife in today's world so this proposition should not seem radical and it might be studied more seriously.