True, but considering it's the only time you can spend XP on characteristics and the limited skill breadth it it's kind of expected. Honestly it's the requirement to purchase a +1 force rating that is the hardest thing with the requirements, combined with the 2 skill ranks and Parry/Reflect it almost excludes some of the more meandering specs in the game and definitely limits the talent options a player can choose.
Like I said though it's an interesting setup an I applaud your idea, both challenging and thought provoking.