There are numerous positional spreads, and on top of that we have the choice to use reversed cards, in what way to deal with elemental dignities, and how far to stretch the meaning of each card. Seems we can set a rule, and it becomes a tool in the hands of the divinatory gods to ease our way in the tarot labyrinth, or does it?
I can find at least one case which seems to reject this theory, and that is the yes/no question. In case the tarot could answer yes/no questions, even if not completely perfect, we could live in a near perfect world. So the question is: what is wrong with my thinking, and how should we adapt the theory.
BEEE - UTIFUL Yogiman ! by including 'what is wrong with my thinking' in the OP you have removed the 'meta-discussion' block on my favourite subject <happy dance>
NOW ! <rubs his hands together ... getting ready to answer>
What is wrong with your thinking?
Ahem! ... nothing - my friend , nothing at all!
IMO it is up to you what system you use ... to make it valuable to you an internal consistency is required and an 'internal logic' (within the system or set of ideas itself) .
This can be termed 'Your magical theory of the Universe' it doesn't have to be applicable to anyone else but should follow some rules like the above ones otherwise .... well it just turns to confused mush and wont help you navigate.
Another way of looking at it is one of main (out of 4) principles of a healthy and balanced psyche is 'Review the internal map' i.e. make sure , every so often that the way you view things (your' magical theory of the Universe') is updates and cross checked with outside reality, changes and developments and discoveries in the world and environment you live in.
With your background you be able to bend and stretch the 'traditions' to make a system that suits YOU.
I don't use tarot for a yes no question ... I flip a coin
If it is a question of what to do I use I ching
If it is a question more of why and what fore I use tarot.
If none of that works I subjugate with ....