There are many interesting points in this discussion. Before I give my input I must say Ernst is my most influential of teachers and thus will be coming from that line of thought, however, I do not wish to devolve into needless arguments. We are all united by our passion for astrology. Let's keep that in mind as we continue.
The best way to find which zodiac works best is to learn astrology as thoroughly as you can and test out every technique you know on 100+ charts. Start gathering statistics and decide for yourself which zodiac system works for you. The biggest mistake you make is to take small amounts of knowledge (not making accusations) in astrology and start passing judgements. Put in your work and continue your studies.
With deepest of respects to Robert Hand, I have to disagree with what he said about keeping techniques separate. I'm sure some of you know that some time ago, I forget how long, tropical Aries and sidereal Aries lined up. Knowing this, it is perhaps irresponsible as an astrologer to think that we have to divide these equal (in their roots) systems. In fact, one ought to use techniques from both sides and put them to the test of tropical and sidereal calculations. No one has the answer to this question. Is it therefore possible that there are sidereal dependent techniques? Tropical dependent techniques?
In respect to the ayanamsa discussion, there are two main calculations for ayanamsas that every calculation is based on. These calculations are based on either chitra(lahiri is commonly referred to as chitra paksha(sp?)) or revati. You then have Ernst's calculation of using the galactic center. Which is Mula based. On top of that, you have to decide how you make these calculations. What I mean by this is do you calculate your nakshatra to the celestial equator, to the earth's axis, or back to the ecliptic, like you would a planet? Do you know how far off all of these calculations are between each other? +/- 5 degrees. All of these combinations come out to be a maximum of about 5 degrees off. Of course, this changes your dasas start and finish dates by a few years in some cases.
Want another curve ball? What year calculation do you use? Well, you have a few options. Six to be exact. You can see here that there is yet another lifetime worth of study. I can not express enough that it is important to learn your foundation really well and then start on this quest.
I hope I constructed this long wall of text in a way that will make sense to you all.
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Shanti, did you quantify the capacity of the wealth/poverty yogas?