My reason for making it so difficult to attain higher MA ranks is this: Higher ranks of a MA are obviously considered to be the most dangerous techniques of the particular art, perhaps requiring years of mastery in order to become effective. Currently, in order to learn these higher "mysteries," George the WM needs only 10 skill ranks in order to learn the most dangerous techniques (4 rank 1, 3 rank 2, 2 rank 3 and 1 rank 4). This could be achieved by level 2 (1st level: 2 skill levels in rank 1, 1 level in rank 2 (total of 5 DP); 2nd level: 2 levels in rank 1, 2 levels in rank 2, 2 levels in rank 3, 1 level rank 1 (13 DP). To me, this is way too quick. In my "option," you would have to be level 15 in order to learn the most hidden techniques. Really, a couple of really good attacks in MA Rank 1 would disable most lower level enemies.
On the other hand, perhaps some martial arts are easier to learn than others, and my option would only apply to the most difficult arts. The more difficult the MA, the better the critical, the higher the damage, etc. Simpler MA would cost lest but do less damage.
Heh heh, I guess thats why the system is sometimes called "Rulemaster"! :-)
George