Look up the video "Here's an Idea" It deals with the new NOS/Rating system and how this guy has developed an idea that incorporates both the NOS system that SECNAV/CNO/MCPON have devised along with KEEPING the rating system (and the history of our Navy for the past 241 years).
I honestly think that this wouldn't be a bad idea since it keeps both the idea of Ratings (Tradition within the Navy) and the aspect of being able to do multiple jobs with credentials and schooling.
It also touches on the idea of the "Seaman" issue. Short and Simple.