I can only say that arguing against the mage using the extra bit of lab total to invent a low level spell is just being needlessly strict. I mean what benefit does your story gain by being so observant of the rules, or being so restrictive because of the "reality" of how a magi would truly work in a lab.
I understand that for some the rules need to be followed to the very letter to experience the game's legitimacy and get the most out of it. Perhaps it is the thrill of number crunching or your personal strategy of bookkeeping that you enjoy most, but it has very little to do with the actually stories you tell EXCEPT to limit someone for having a bonus little spell.
I understand following the rules for the most part because it is a game, but I don't see it as a game that you need to strive to "win" however. For me rules are nice and all but they are only there so all of the players can refer to a common set of guidelines so no one can claim bias. I can't see how making things stricter or harder on players when it comes to the "dots and numbers" on a piece of paper, makes for a more enjoyable time.
I was pointing out that sometimes people will take longer on tasks because their capacity to reach the deadline is well within their potential. Principally I think it is (sligtly) better for Ars players to plan several seasons of activity in advance. It does not have to be a rule at all. Whatever works. I plan as then I have a guide to work from when variations occur.
In ArM mechanics I see it being better to guide and educate the beginner so that they have an efficiency they can use, and hand-wave/relax the rules to forgive any slight hiccups.
Take it all with a grain of salt Chris, I wasn't trying to state that either approach is better or worse - its horses for courses. I'm an IT project manager so I tend to like having plans.
been playing on a season by season RULES plan for years. I think we do it 100% by RAW. We plan the stuff for big projects seasons in advance, but the actual rules are for season on season activity. If one season I only work on the level 30 spell you only apply the lab total to it, even if I know that in season 2 I will also create a secondary spell.