I can't fight this "japanese styling" feeling...

Asus101

I once said something along the lines of "F*** the rules". But at the point I am now, I have no bonsai, just poorly chosen stock that I secretly want to be killed off in the heat.

Exactly.
You wouldn't go exploring if you didn't at least know the basics of finding your way. You don't simply "hang the rules" and go rushing headlong into the bush. You learn the basics of survival, and how to find your way.

Same with bonsai. Its an art form, but one must learn the basic rules. If you skip those basics you have no were to start. Don't learn them and tree's like mine look.... like s***. Sorry to be blunt but they are.

Learn the basic rules. Remember them, bend them, transform them and remember them.
Rules have loop holes, exploit them while staying true to the principle. Like people, creativity if allowed to run wild and with out boundaries would be just that. Wild and uncontrolled.

__________________
"All your pinus is belong to us!"

Shrunken heads for all occasions. Collect them, swap them, give them to your witch doctor friend.