i still think it needs to be fleshed out a bit more, but I do like where SR4 rules start for programming stuff. Basically it takes time to make a prog. What I'd like to see added, is a diminishing returns/losing cutting edge kinda modifier too. The way tech and protection for the matrix seems to go in SR, its quick and changing as people try to find gaps and corps try to cover new gaps.
So if you're sitting down for an extended period of time coding a new program for your comlink hacking, unless you have huge resources or something like a supersecret algorithm or something, I think your program should lose rating over time even AS you code it. Skill level would help mitigate this, if you're skilled you are better able to keep updating the base code so it doesn't fall behind as you're writing it.
Hm. I guess I am also advocating program max = skill max rating. But I guess I'm trying to rationalize why

I'd say something also like, skill rating + edge to determine max, but any edge used for that cannot be applied to decreasing time to write, and thus also is subject to degradation over time side effects.