I like that distinction between UA and MC being that maneuvers are unique to UA. Currently pure UA beats pure MC, but a balance of MC and UA is still the way to go I believe. I'd prefer that rebalancing of UA and MC be done by rebalancing numbers, not giving MC maneuvers.
And I am starting to like that idea of gear capping your combat stats. Make it the geometric average of the qualities of all your weapons/armor so that UA players don't HAVE to depend on knuckles.