The H/V rule still applies for a lot of people. I try to use it but as my main job in electronics is prototypes anything goes. Once I have a working prototype I normally email it to mmcpix and he does the business with the production board. Big differences between prototypes and production re things like acid traps, track angles and the like. I also like the have all components soldering on the right side rather than component legs acting as vias (for prototypes). Just to give you an idea, mmcpix just traced a board for me with: SMD 1284p-au; SMD resonator; 2x3 header; 1x5 header; 1x6 header; 2 x SMD caps; 3 x SMD resistors; battery; 8 pin DIL and a 28 pin DIL header in 50mm x 50mm on 2 layers. 
I can do them myself but he always complains that they are messy or break rules His boards do look neater though.