There was a debate not long ago about whether time spent in the academy would negatively impact your wilderness familiarity (or ratio). While, it was believed it didn't, it's clear on a 'score' that your comfort for the wilderness definitely drops while in there. Is there an actual effect, or impediment to lingering i the academy as a new character / player as a ranger?

If that's the case, I would see it as a definite impediment to the early development of a new character. As it is right now, when I make a ranger, I made sure to run for the bush as soon as I seen fit to do so.