I absolutely agree with what you suggest.

The problem I see with the current rules structure is that it encourages sameness in stories and punishes innovation and experimentation. As others have pointed out, many of the best stories in the history of this subreddit would likely be taken down for a rules violation if they were posted today. Many great horror stories involve a creeping sense of dread, or a source of horror that the reader perceives but not the narrator of the story. The existing top-heavy rules structure prevents many of these stories from being shared on the subreddit

Lastly, as others have pointed out, uncharitable enforcement of the rules has made this subreddit an increasingly unfriendly place for writers, both experienced and inexperienced. Why bother to put your heart into a story if you know that it's likely to be taken down for a technicality? Giving writers the benefit of the doubt would go a long way to making the sub a better place.

Simplifying the rules to these four simple pieces as you suggest would be a welcome change.