I can't check the clipping until a moderator approves it, but I'll guess the number of ranks is not editable.
This would be the case for "bound" skills, where the number of ranks in one is determined by another.
This is the default behavior for Stalk -> Hiding.
You can add any profession you want, just by adding XML files to the /professions directory.
Let us know if you need any assistance with the detail of any profession, and we'll do our best to help.
There are many advanced customization ideas, questions and techniques in the
advanced customization thread.
Some of the stuff you mention was even discussed there at some point.
Thanks for your interest in ERA!