Well, I only just got the chance to read it, so that's why I havent C&C'd
previously (and I got all 4 parts).

I like it thus far.  The first part seemed a little rushed, but the pacing got
better as of part 2.  I noted, however, that you said in your notes to part 4
that you were plotting Ranma out of the story.  I have to admit that I'm
curious as to why this is.  Contrary to what one C&Cer apparantly told
you, I think Ranma is the most sympathetic character in your story.  In the
first part he acted like something of a jerk, but afterwards he improves
immeasurably, and I think your Ranma reflects the manga Ranma pretty
well (if anything, your Ranma is less a jerk, as of stories 3&4, than the
manga Ranma).  

I'm also a little puzzled, because the vibes I'm picking up are that Ranma
and Akane will eventually get together anyway.  Now, I'd be interested in
seeing who they each end up with if not together, I can't help but think,
especially in part 4, that the two will end up together anyway.  Hm.  Not
that it'd be that hard to split them up permanently, with the way you've
written it thus far.  One thing that made Akane a lot less sympathetic is
how she allowed (and even indirectly encouraged) Yuka to spread that
rumor about Ranma is, well, despicable, and I think if I were in Ranma's
position and I found out Akane did something like that, I imagine I would
'forget' any averrance to hitting girls, or at least be sorely tempted.  I
should imagine Ranma, when (and if) he finds out, would be quite
disgusted with Akane, and I would think it very unlikely that he would
afford her another look...

Well, I have to admit, I'm curious as to where you're taking this, especially
if you write Ranma out of it.  

tom

PS.  I'm also unsure why you title it "Love is What Frightens You the
Most"...

PPS.  I, for one, understood the reference in the title to Chapter 3.