I have recently been rereading all the early manga and the Elseworld's
series and an idea came to me.  

I'm not suer if it has been done, but if it has I applogise.

-What if Ryoga didn't exist?

In reviewing the early part of the seires, before Shampoo arrived I
noticed that only two things that prevented Ranma and Akane from falling
for each other before Shampoo arrived.

Their familes...and Ryoga.

If Ryoga had never gotten a grude over Ranma he ever would have become
P-chan or Ranma's rival, two early things that I think prevent Ranma and
Akane from voiceing their feelings early.

Of course Ryoga is also one of the things that shove Raman into becoming
more powerful, so something else (love maybe?) would need to modivate
him to a higher level.

This is just some crazy idea that I had. If you want it, tkae it.

Thanks
Thomas Scroggs