Karmagen Metatype cost, Need Explanation Options

[Ravennus]

Ok, I know this will seem completely stupid to some people... but could someone please explain how Metatype works using the standard RAW Runner's Companion Karmagen rules?

I've always used the BP system in SR4 and SR4A up till now, and the priority chargen in previous versions. However, I might be running a game soon and some players are interested in Karmagen.

After reading the rules presented on Pages 41 and 42... it doesn't seem to compute in my head, especially after doing a search on Karmagen here on dumpshock and reading various posts about it.
In RC, it says that Metatype costs nothing... but then you still start at minimum attribute ratings for your metatype. This just seems like free points, not to mention other metatype features that they get.

Yet I've read posts where some say it just costs the same karma as it costs in BP, and other posts where they say it's BP x 2.

So..... er..... could someone explain this to me?


BTW, I know there are some issues with the RAW Karmagen rules in RC, particularly with Attribute x 3 cost. However, I prefer to keep things as RAW as possible. So unless there is a specific official Catalyst errata, I'll be using the rules as presented in RC. Thanks.