Should we say no to a good match only because the guṇas are low?

not on the score alone — guṇa milan is a first screen; the full charts, and above all the two people, matter more.

The 36-point aṣṭakūṭa score compares only the Moon's nakṣatra and sign of the two people. It says nothing about the lagna, the 7th house, the daśās ahead, or — most importantly — their values, education, health, habits and how they treat each other. That is why many experienced astrologers say a score of 18 or more is “acceptable” and then look much deeper, and why couples with high scores can still struggle.

If the families like each other and the two are well-suited in nature, ask a careful astrologer to read both full charts and check for cancellations before deciding. Often the “problem” softens.

And if the couple are clearly compatible and committed, many families today go ahead with prayer and a Navagraha pūjā. A marriage is built by daily respect and patience — no chart can do that work for them.

Source: Muhūrta Cintāmaṇi (vivāha prakaraṇa); modern practice · 18+ of 36 is commonly accepted

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