obvious fact that the classic Ranma anime (first series) has captured
many hearts, and Viz's versions for the masses, the following recently
occured to me:

R. Takahashi, perhaps because she was just coming from the superb
Maison Ikkoku, set up a wonderful romantic situation, which
(amazingly) the producers of the anime improved upon.  She (and they)
then fell back to UY style fun and games that only occasionally and by
small increments advance the romance.  

MI takes forever to get anywhere (with the romance) too! Small increments 
about once every dozen shows... at least for the first half. I gather 
that the real reason for the difference between the first and second 
Ranma series was ratings.