If I have two color rules that apply to a nickname, one which method is listbox, and another whose method is message, then I cannot use $cnick(nickname) to give me the rules which applies to the one I want.
I would propose that $cnick is enhanced as follows:
$cnick(nickname) (or $cnick(nickname,0)) works as now.
$cnick(nickname,1) finds the first rule which applies to the listbox.
$cnick(nickname,2) finds the first rule which applies to messages.
Obviously properties would work on the rule found.