For the most part, I liked what you had to say. There are only a couple of points I'd like respond too...

Addicted to Love -

I've seen something like this in the Bet entries, but I am given to understand that there was another one written which was more lemony. Does anyone know where I can find it? I've looked all over but can't seem to find it...

  I've noticed very few fics in which Ryouga wins Akane and a high
proportion of those involve deceit on Ryouga's part.  Why is Ryouga
getting Akane any less likely than some of the Ranma matchups?

Very good reason... because Ryoga uses deceit and underhanded tricks to try and get Akane occasionally, so it's not too far from his character. Think about it: he deceives Akane about P-chan, tries to use a koi-fishing rod, participates in the tunnel of lost love (in fact, wanted to live there with Akane and never leave!), etc...

Plus, he's in denial about Akane's flaws (which is also true about the Ukyo, Shamps, and Kodachi). To him, Akane is the kindest, sweetest, most gentle, most perfect girl in existance. Of course, we know she has anger problems and tends to jump to conclusions, but Ryoga doesn't see, or doesn't want to see, that. He also can't take her being angry at him, which will happen if they get together, while Ranma can.

Of course, theres also the whole thing about Akane loving, and only having eyes for, Ranma...

Anyway, this is my own two cents. Take it for what's it's worth...

--------

  I enjoy Ranma fics as much as the next otaku, but why is Ranma always
portrayed as more powerful than various aliens, supernatural creatures
etc...  How would Ranma react if faced with an entity truly beyond
physical challenge, e.g. Lady Tokimi

I tend to see this as well, but you have to take into account his battles with people like Herb and Saffron, and the techniques he has. He's good, and you have to be careful about setting him against other opponents. He's also not perfect, but does tend to adapt to an opponent after awhile, making them almost child's play to him.

As for Lady Tokimi, I've only seen her in the OAV's, so I don't know if there's more about her somewhere else. She appears to be very kami-like and powerful, though I haven't exactly seen her come under attack. If she is as powerful as I suspect, Ranma wouldn't stand a chance. Maybe could develop some angst about this, as Ranma realizes he's not the best. Of course, he may still say that he's the best martial artist to cope, since Tokimi is not a martial artist...

--------

  Although not a devotee of SM, I do read the occasional fic.  Are there
any that show them later in life, such as their 30s and 40s?  What would
become of them?  Spouses?  Children?  Careers?

I had an idea (that I was going to put on a my ideas page, when I finish it) that has a setting of them late in college, just about to graduate. Most of the senshi have gone their seperate ways, and as Ami is studying for finals, she can't help but notice a rash of disappearences lately, culminating with the abduction of her roommate. Realizing that she may fail Finals if she stops studying, she goes after her roommate. Sort of a mystery, but with some dark undertones.
Other senshi may or may not get involved to help, depending on where they are or what they're doing (some may think it's a job for the police and not senshi, or the author may have other reasons).

Let me know if you want this idea, and I'll scratch it off my list. Otherwise, I may do it at some time in my future. Just my attempt to "grow up" the whole Sailor Moon thing.


Well, that's all for me!
Brad
"No clever quote included..."


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