For case 1, I have lately used a skill base derived from related stats, ie Dodge at DEX x 2, but expanded so that all default skills have a similar base (much like MRQ). I have most of my gaming life used the SB1 bonus system and usually have skills begin at bonus or 5%, whichever is greater, minimum 5% for defaults. Both worked well enough.
Case 2, I do believe that the Keepers Companion for CoC did indeed lay out parameters for what was professional level, hobbyist level and so forth for skills, and gave specific rules for what percentage a newly graduated doctor (for instance) would have in the various necessary skills and so forth. Also, there were some very nifty rules governing that sort of thing in Elric!/SB5, usually involving increased competence in what you could do with skills at 100%+. Seeing as how Jason just said the other day that the base system in the new book is a combination of those two rules sets, I think we are going to be gold for that aspect of the game. The skill explanations and parameters should be much better defined than in any previous version of BRP. At least that is what I am expecting now.
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