That's a very good question. I am wholly traditional, but I entertain the modern ideas of the traits of the outer planets to some extent but utterly unconvinced when it comes to adhering "exaltations" to outer planets or abdicating the inner planets from their thrones (ex., saying Pluto is exalted in Leo, or saying Pluto is the only ruler of Scorpio making Mars emeritus).
In my chart I have Pluto conjunct the ascendant in Scorpio. I do feel there is a dark intensity to me without a doubt, but I also have Mars (ascendant ruler) conjunct the south node (which intensifies Mars) in the subdued, dark twelfth house. That would mirror what some people identify a first house Pluto as. How do we tell which is which? It's impossible--but Mars should be given credit first due to its proven tenure; that's only logical.
I have been very idealistic in love, which could possibly be a result of Moon opposite Neptune + Moon trine Venus + Venus sextile Neptune. However, it seems unreasonable to believe that Neptune is the only planet associated with idealism and being overly hopeful, this could also be a result of my Sun in Libra in 12th house (disposed by seventh ruler Venus) opposite Jupiter rx -- Jupiter precedes Neptune as a ruler of excessive idealism and being overly hopeful, in this case love.
That said there is a part of me that believes some of the modern lore, but also an increasingly skeptical side that believes in examining the inner planets
also to see if they are indicating the same thing. What's for certain is that the traits of the outer planets should not be used
so personally; in perceptions of time they operate exceptionally different than the inners and should be thus interpreted differently in relevance to the native. I have a theory that the outer planets could show tendencies of the native's family line; in any event it's certain they are more relevant to the collective than the individual (unless aspected by the inners).
I would like to hear others' opinions too. Too bad Kai doesn't contribute anymore, he'd have something interesting to say.
Thanks for the good question.