[Infornific]

Have you considered softer caps? Either limit how much they can raise a given skill/advantage/attribute or require a steadily more expensive unusual background to rise above a given level? That might encourage growth in breadth, allowing the character to keep improving without getting too over the top. Alternately, steal from old skill D&D and lean toward pumping points into Social Advantages (Wealth, Status, Rank, Allies, etc.)