Hi Judy, and welcome to the forum. That's a great opener, and so I suppose it parks you firmly in the "I'm a modern astrologer" camp? I am very hopeful that it was just a position you were stating, and not a put down to traditional astrologers as some here have interpreted it. As to your comment about being amazed that so many people accept the idea that certain houses are either a debility, and whether or not Mars and Saturn can be considered malevolent...well, there are still quite a few traditional astrologers around, and even some more modern ones who understand that there may be more to it that it first appears. Personally, I prefer to keep an open mind. I'm guessing your first post wasn't meant to be a provocative bombshell?
I like what you wrote here, and you give several good examples of why it is more important to look at the whole chart, and not just the houses. I think that's what can sometimes act like nails on a chalkboard for some of us who prefer more traditional methods. The sixth is considered a cadent house, as is the 12th. But, the condition of the house, and the planets therein will also be determined by a host of other factors, traditionally speaking, including sign ruler and it's position, exaltation ruler, aspects to and from those rulers, aspects to and from planets in those houses...and I think it's no small matter that the two "malefic" planets, Mars and Saturn, joy in these houses.
One last thought I'd like to include here. We can all talk about how beneficial all the planets and houses can be, and how in a perfect world we would like them to be. But, the world isn't perfect, and sometimes bad things, or bad people, come along. Life isn't always sunshine and roses, and astrology, if it is to be true to life, should reflect that as well. That's my thought anyway.
Hope to see you around, Judy_AzVirgo, and that you came to contribute to the positive.