I wasn't suggesting that you chuck the rules away and just use commonsense.
FWIW I have read the read the rules and like to think I follow them. But when you're in a situation where someone else isn't following the rules as you understand them (bearing in mind that there are what appear to be experienced aviators on here who are expressing differing opinions !) then commonsense/self preservation/good airmanship (call it what you will) must play a part in getting you down safely.