On the other hand, if you go attack focus, dodge focus, and increase 2 saves instead of 3, then you save 3 points. It's still expensive, but the cost is closer to half PL instead of all of it.
Another reason I think APs are so common is that Toki, like myself, is a bit stingy in awarding HP - although I think the online format also plays a part. More HP -> cheaper extra effort -> fewer need for APs. For instance, how often does Ryan use his Transmutation? From what I remember, basically less than once an issue. So from a pure mechanics PoV, it's better to take a point of Luck than to take the AP. If he needs the Transmute, then he spends the point of Luck to AP it. And if he doesn't need Transmute, then he's got the extra bit of luck to avoid losing. And that's not the only case: how many of Anika's spells does she use frequently? Kelly? Gilden? Most of those APs could be replaced with luck to handle the number of times they're used. It's often a matter of paying extra for A) the convenience of having something written down ahead of time, which could apply to EE powers easily enough, and B) the ability to use something repeatedly when appropriate. Just because Ryan usually doesn't use Transmute doesn't mean he won't come up with a plan that uses it dozens of times - at which point the difference is pretty distinct.
In short, I don't really think APs are problematic powerwise. That character growth is often based on APs - new tricks for old powers - doesn't seem out of line, and their presence is mostly built into the system. I think the biggest issue is with cycling tricks that allow for basically allow a character to run one power half the time while using other powers. For the low, low price of 1 extra power point.
Besides, no one uses Summon or Duplication. Yet. Nor do they help characters hit the caps. Instead they provide extra actions, which are even more valuable.
