Exactly Sandstone, I support debate on these things, but I think it ought to be a long drawn out process of debate, theory and practice before anyone decides to RE-design the universe!
I should say, Bob assessed dignity in my natal chart before and he did mention a few compatibilities were needed for hayz, I think it was gender, triplicity and angular. I would like to find where he said that but trying to find that one thread out of 20 pages or so ... He used traditional and older methods I believe.
Also, to add a notion to exaltation etc. I've a diurnal chart with the Sun angular, in sect and ruler, cardinal, in triplicity and exalted with very useful aspects...but Bob, a tremendously experienced astrologer declared my Jupiter as being more dignified. My Jupiter is in the same sign as the Sun, only in sect, triplicity and angular but still won the fight. Apparently exaltation isn't the biggest gun.