[quote=@Unoedipal]
So, magus generations are more than normal ones, given their longevity. The Archibalds' nine generations are regarded as first-rate, for instance. As a rule of thumb, anything above the Archibalds is unreasonable for this.
[/quote]

This is the first I've heard of it- I didn't see anything like that in the artbooks or omnibus. If anything, they just say that the number of generations in a Magus family don't equal power- I mean, just look at the Matous. Even the gap between generations, judging by the stuff I can find, doesn't seem that big. Granted, I've only got points of evidence in Shirou, Kamiya, and Rin in relation to their parents. From what I can see, the generations are about the same length, unless you start including vampires (like Zelretch) and cheaters (like Zouken). Usually an older family just means they have more resources, connections, and a wider knowledge base.

Also, from what I remember, the Archibald magical tradition goes back for OVER nine generations.

[quote=@Unoedipal]
Combining the meaning of runes means you're a prodigy that surpasses geniuses by [b]far[/b]. You can theoretically app that, but expect everyone to know who you are then. If you're just a "master" of runes, you'll be able to access all the meanings of an individual rune, but can't combine meanings. Combining meanings is high-level stuff.
[/quote]

...Didn't Bazett and Cu Chulainn, a Lancer, know how to make combinations of runes? Neither of them really screamed "Master of the Arcane" to me. I figure if Bazett, a 23-year-old who specializes in punching stuff, and Lancer, whose gimmick was being "Irish Hulk" can do combinations of runes, a man who spent 50 years practicing rune magic can suss it out.