I've had this thought since MtAw was released. I don't know if I like Paths. They just feel limiting to me. With all the combinations of ruling Arcana a mage could have (25 if you keep the Gross/Subtle balance I beleive), limiting the combinations to 5 never made sense to me.

So here's my question: Ignoring the systemic pieces that we're obviously developed after the Paths were decided on in game (materials for dedicated tools, path specific requirements for Legacies)...

Do paths exist because their needed to keep game balance, or do they exist solely to keep the same structure throughout the game lines "5 types plus 5 organizations."

I've seen people try to expand them, but I want to make sure I'm not missing a mechanic before I go that route.