Frankly I have difficult seeing Kasumi and Ranma fall in love
without a change that gives him greater maturity.  You've
written Ranma as a little boy, and Kasumi's a prematurely
mature woman.   What, is Kasumi going to be Ranma's mother
for the rest of his life?  Even if she'd go for it, I don't
think Ranma would.  You're right, of course, this change does
take Akane out of the picture.  But it made Shampoo a much more
credible competitor, and Ukyo's still available.