Today, we get a quick overview of the functions of all the essential dignities (including the two debilities). This way you can begin to work qualitatively with these definitions and throw away the scoring game! All of the rulers that rule a whole sign domain -- namely Domicile, Detriment, Fall, Exaltation, and Trigon -- will have their stated function impact the matter of the houses over which that sign appears. In addition, they also contribute with helping to meet the need of that sign, as it applies within the context of the place over which they are located. For example: The Triplicity Lord of Aries over the 11th, will also help to meet the need for autonomy from friends or groups. But it will do so in a way that's managerial (Trigon), rather than generative (Domicile) .
However, the rulers that govern over only a portion of a sign -- namely the Bounds and Decan lords -- will tend to relate more directly to the planets that appear in their signs. This is because its the passing through planet that is activating that portion of the sign. So the Bounds lord will become a pre-requisite action that must occur before the action shown by the planet that traverses its Bounds.
This material is rather advanced and is not meant to be applied with personality-oriented interpretations. It was created with 'the chart as life model' in mind. If you're interested in an online presentation illustrating these techniques, please leave me a comment below. If there's enough interest, I'll organize an online event. For now, I will leave you to explore with your own charts.
Very interesting article, a good summary of the qualitative meaning of the astrological dignities of the planets.