David Johnston wrote:

I just finished reading this, and it has some interesting
things to say about Akane and Ranma's relationship.  But I think
I see why the next part is going to take a while to come out.

This is a romance story.  Romance stories all work the same
way.  Hero and Heroine have differences and obstacles.
They overcome these in order to get together and establish a
lasting bond.

Assuming that Zen will NOT write a story in which Akane gets
Ranma and they live happily ever after, then the Long and Winding
Road is already over.  Ranma and Ukyo are already together, living
more or less happily ever after. What else is there?  Akane
is now at such a terrible disadvantage that if she loses out,
that doesn't make for much of a story, does it?  The dynamics
of romance writing just about demand that Akane gets Ranma
based on what I have read if the story is to continue.

For this reason, I'm inclined to think that the Long And Winding
Road has already reached its destination.

I agree with you that Ranma and Ukyou are going to live happily ever
after, but how will this decision affect the other fiancees's fate?  You
know they will eventually track the couple down like Akane plans to,
leading to a major confrontation.  Likewise, Soun, Genma and Nodoka
aren't likely to be pleased by Ranma's shirking of so-called family
honor and this could set up some interesting conflicts.

Basically, Ranma and Ukyou came together in the first part and plan to
live happily ever after.  The second part will deal with the
consequences of that decision.  Although Ranma will never change his
mind about marrying Ukyou, both of them have some tough battles ahead
from those who would protest such a desicion.

Also, what about the fate of the other finacees and possible suitors? 
Will Mousse finally have a chance to convince Shampoo that he's the best
man for her?  Will Ryouga finally confess his love for Akane?  There's a
lot of if's here and the second part is likely to deal with some of
them.  While Part 1 could be made into a stand-alone story, it's better
to tie up all the loose ends so you know for certain that Ranma and
Ukyou will live a happy life.  

Sincerely,

Megane 6.7