The numbered chords, favoured progressions are just that - favoured by ears after much time & exposure to them.
Mathematics supports them and their on going use perpetuates them.
Being lead by your ears to a set of chords that match a preferred pattern isn't coincidental - it's conditioning but can be fought against.
Choosing to use the number formulation because it's a "rule" is also a matter of conditioning.

If one is exposed to a wide variety of western and non western musical forms and pieces as well as to western forms that have "different" rules well enough and early enough conditions the ear to other options.
Mark Hayes is treading some of those paths at the moment and presenting the User Showcase forum with interesting, sometimes challenging non standard variations of western musical traditions. It's fun.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe