I think this further speaks to the issue about Kata, forms, and art specific "fixed ideas of training through kata" quite well.
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=29
In the end is it
Just -a- way?
The only way?
The best way?
Or the slowest way after all.
Or even a more less efficient way -as there is more than likely a deeper body of skills than found in one art.