So, it turns out that CDRoller managed to read 560MB out of 640MB, and counting, as of this morning when I left home. So, it got faster at some point (possibly surface was not as "damaged" as the laser kept travelling towards the edge). It may be done by the time I get back home. This is CD 1 of 5, so I am starting to be more hopeful.

Larry, unfortunately I do not have a CD reader anymore. Or, more precisely, I still own my SCSI Plextors (I had one reader and one burner left since), and I should have my SCSI controller in my hardware archives, but I don't think it will fit in my current motherboard, not to mention drivers, etc. I may resort to that at some point, if all else fails.

K447, I tested these CDs on 3 different desktop class readers (one DVD burners and two BDs), and two different laptop class devices (one of which is actually an external, USB3 BD reader), with same results.
CDRoller is now working on my desktop, reading from a DVD burner.