Hi rosenberryrj,

Great question. 
There are 2 things at play here in your question: 
1. can I bend “the rules” if it helps me make the chord with better success?

2. Or, do I struggle through “the rules” until I can make the chord the way my teacher suggests is best? 

I say: choose to pursue both paths at the same time. (Radical?)

It is encouraging and satisfying to make the chord - even if you are bending the rules as it is all still new to you and your hands. So sure, go for it! 

AND, the “rules” exist for reasons you may not yet have encountered. In other words, fingering skills you may not be ready for yet, but a year down the line, could pay off in terms of acing the chord in the CONTEXT within the constantly moving flow of a song. 

Make sense? Do the best you can now, AND, keep ‘better technique’ on your ‘works-in-progress’ list. 

Most of all, have fun! Be well, Lisa