The "rules" are really only an emprical collection of ideas of what will please the eye (read preception) of a large group of people over a long time period. So if the image follows those rules it can hang on the wall for a long time and not cause many viewers to think of it as contrary to the common view. I guess if I worked with art directors or exhibited a lot and got more feedback I would care. Knowing the "rules" of composition helps me frame exposures and select images for printing. THAT being said. It has nothing to do with the impact, subject, emotion, artistic selection of elements or purpose of the final image. Breaking the "rules" can result in some fine work, If you know what "rule" is ignored and what it does for the image. Bill