http://wiki.themanaworld.org/index.php/User:Cotillion
Just remember to _alternate_ between spells, never cast the same spell again and again if you want to gain mXP.
Now, the second part of your question. Why is it taking longer to raise to 'perfect'. The answer lies in the formula. Your new max_experience with Level 2 is a much larger number, yet your growth of mXP is still limited to 1,2,or 3 mXP per cast. A snippit of the formula is below if you want to pick at it.
Lastly, Elanore wants you to be more proficient in life magic before she will teach you more. Focus on healing others with the heal-other spell you know, and remember to alternate in with your create lifestone spell. You will get the greater healing spell soon.
In short. You are on the right track.
ELSE IF level = 4
THEN max_experience = 40000;
ELSE IF level = 3
THEN max_experience = 8000;
ELSE IF level = 2
THEN max_experience = 1200;
ELSE max_experience = 100;
ratio = (10 * experience - random(max_experience / 30)) / max_experience; #Randomness: jitter a bit at the transitions to give more precise information if used frequently
IF ratio >= 60
THEN message(caster, "Magic flows naturally from you, readily and with ease. Your understanding of what you can currently control at present is flawless, far beyond your requirements to cast magic at this level." + " " + ratio + if_then_else(level >= MAX_MAGIC_LEVEL,""," Surely the Mana Seed will more than readily offer more magic for such a proficient user."));
ELSE IF ratio >= 45
THEN message(caster, "Magic flows naturally from you, readily and with ease. Your understanding of what you can currently control at present is flawless, far beyond your requirements to cast magic at this level." + if_then_else(level >= MAX_MAGIC_LEVEL,""," Surely the Mana Seed will more than readily offer more magic for such a proficient user."));
ELSE IF ratio >= 20
THEN message(caster, "You have perfect control of what you understand now, but there is now a distinct sensation of something more, something indescribable. If only the Mana Seed would give more magic to you...");
ELSE IF ratio >= 10
THEN message(caster, "You feel in perfect control of your magic" + if_then_else(level >= MAX_MAGIC_LEVEL,".",", and seem on the verge of something more... perhaps you should see the Mana Seed to ask for more magic?"));
ELSE IF ratio >= 9
THEN message(caster, "You feel in almost perfect control of your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 8
THEN message(caster, "You feel that you have very good control of your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 7
THEN message(caster, "You feel quite in control of your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 6
THEN message(caster, "You feel mostly in control of your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 5
THEN message(caster, "You feel somewhat in control of your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 4
THEN message(caster, "You feel you still have a few difficulties in controlling your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 3
THEN message(caster, "Trying to control your magic is still rather troublesome.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 2
THEN message(caster, "You feel that you have only the bare minimum of control over your magic.");
ELSE IF ratio >= 1
THEN message(caster, "You feel quite overwhelmed by your magic, but are beginning to see patterns.");
ELSE message (caster, "You feel completely overwhelmed by your magic.");