I don't agree with your logic at all. I always don't understand the point you are trying to make. The rule of thirds is fairly essential to any cinematographer/photographer. By no means do you have to follow the rule, what I was saying is that to break the rule successfully you should have a good knowledge of the proper rule before attempting to go dutch on everything. Does John Toll, Roger Deakins, and Jeff Cronenweth always abide by the rule of thirds? No. Do they have expert knowledge of the rule? Absolutely.
Also, don't undermine the intelligence of your audience. If you play down to them your project will tend to flop. Also, the director, producer, sound engineer (even the PAs), know what a proper shot is suppose to look like and that plays a big part in them liking or disliking something.