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Not sure, but I've been given the impression that Ken and its cognates (Kenshiro, Kensuke etc.)
are not particularly unusual. Not to mention that its a word that pops up in martial arts
styles/techniques/moves (eg. neko-ken, hokuto no ken).

I didn't know that. I was thinking it was a take-off of the Western Kenneth.

And, yes, it was a put-down but in the more general direction of the ahistorical, somewhat petty
and rather defensive fan who sees reference, imitation and theft regarding "their" series everywhere
regardless of when or where the other work appeared.

What initially got under my skin wasn't the put down itself, but the way in which relayed. There is an art to showing one "the error of his ways" without making him a fool. I wasn't trying to say that Akamatsu was stealing Takahashi's works, but emulating them in a complimentary fashion, and I thought that the possibility that Ranma 1/2's character named copycat Ken just may be named after the guy could be too juicy. Hence the ill-informed suggestion. I'm an old fart and relatively new to anime. And I blew it this time. Koala Su me.

But I can actually relate to this. Everyone has his favorite series. In the past it's gotten under my skin to listen to the Love Hina fan who disses Maison Ikkoku as the rip off, and doesn't give it the proper chance it deserves. Ignorance coupled with haughtiness is hard to suffer sometimes. Certainly I've thought this way. But you also have to admit we all have a tendency at times to think our stuff doesn't stink.

Actually I like Ken Akamatsu's works, from what I've seen so far, and could say I'm a fan. Love Hina and Negima! anime were quite funny, and charming at times. I own those and hope to get both manga over time. I see his work as more complimentary of works of Takahashi. And as I have read that he is a fan, and likes to put Takahashi scenerios and character look-alikes into his manga as a nod and a compliment to Takahashi; I just figured there could be a case that maybe Takahashi gets a bit back in a light hearted way. I thought that would be really neat if it could be the case.

From a technical point of view I must disagree that the reasons are plausible on the grounds
that the basic premise (Ranma½ and Love Hina were contemporaries) is flawed.

I blame myself too on this. In my enthusiasm on the intitial thought, I failed to well consider the potential. Often, when I have similar thoughts, I do a bit of research myself and find out a bit to ascertain the plausibility of my suggestion. This time I just "ran to press". Gomen.

(I also blame the new board, as the minimum font is actually readable instead of illegible muttering. )

Now you can't blame the board. I'd take a microscope to your words if I couldn't see them properly. I'm a fan of muttering, illegible (and especially unintelligible) or otherwise.

It's alright. Thanks for the clarification of intent, and the information.