One thing I do not like about the current system is that if you want to use a spell which lasts more than an hour (lets say 2 hours) I need to use effect of 4. That is just not right in my opinion. I do not think the caster should put in so much more just to make the effect of the spell last an hour more. I mean a 2 hour duration spell needs same amount of work as a whole day duration spell?
IMO, we should have
1= under a min
2= under an hour
3= hours under 12 hours
4= under a day
5= under a week
I think spells shouldn't last more than a day but oh well.