I've posted on this matter before but, seeing as I represent a majority of one, I feel I have the right to repeat myself.

My rule for hyphens was inflicted upon me whilst writing scientific (geological) articles in Australian English. In this subspecies of the language, hyphens are reserved for one application, the separating of mineral names in a mineral "assemblage". Thus one may read about a "talc-tremolite schist" or a "pyrite-chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite ore".

This is also the same school that teaches us that all "-ly" words are a waste of printers' ink and that they detract from the Scientific Purpose of the paper. (OK OK Faldage, I heard you before.....)

Shakespeare it's not I know, but my hyphen rule is simple to follow (there's none of 'em!) and my "-ly" rule makes for more objective statements (IMHO).

stales