Thank you! You make me blush 8-).
I think your analysis is a good one! Often, when I'm done making and processing a photo, I try to forget about the rules and tricks and just look at it to see if it is OK, letting instinct take over. It's when I start "sinning" against the rules and also forget about them 8-)
The "rules" are meant to be understood, then broken or followed at will. I'd say your approach is just fine! :P Sticking to just the rules makes for technically "sound" photos, but often the lack that human touch.