Does the Spell Perfection Feat cancel out the benefit of the Magical Lineage Trait?
Magical Lineage: One of your parents was a gifted spellcaster who not only used metamagic often, but also developed many magical items and perhaps even a new spell or two—and you have inherited a fragment of this greatness. Pick one spell when you choose this trait. When you apply metamagic feats to this spell, treat its actual level as 1 lower for determining the spell's final adjusted level.
Spell Perfection
You are unequaled at the casting of one particular spell.
Prerequisites: Spellcraft 15 ranks, at least three metamagic feats.
Benefit: Pick one spell which you have the ability to cast. Whenever you cast that spell you may apply any one metamagic feat you have to that spell without affecting its level or casting time, as long as the total modified level of the spell does not use a spell slot above 9th level. In addition, if you have other feats which allow you to apply a set numerical bonus to any aspect of this spell (such as Spell Focus, Spell Penetration, Weapon Focus [ray], and so on), double the bonus granted by that feat when applied to this spell.
I doubt they actually do work together, but the wording is just vague enough (for my tired mind anyway) that they might work together, which could be easily abused (See 1st Level spells).
I'd say that, yes they can potentially work together, but "no" in no case, regardless what combinations you use, can you lower a spell level below level 1.
JJacobs has made it clear that Magical Lineage can't be used to lower a spell's spell level. It's only for lowering the cost AFTER you apply a metamagic feat; excluding +0s.
And yep, Magical Lineage and Spell Perfection can work together. That's why high-level maguses can hit you with Intensified Quickened Shocking Grasp and Maximized Intensified Shocking Grasp for 10d6+60 damage.
Sorry for getting back to this so late (posted right before I fell asleep then went to work). Thanks for the clarifications. I was unaware of the order of operations of these things, thanks guys.
I'm interesed in this part of Spell Perfection: "In addition, if you have other feats which allow you to apply a set numerical bonus to any aspect of this spell (such as Spell Focus, Spell Penetration, Weapon Focus [ray], and so on), double the bonus granted by that feat when applied to this spell."
So...would you be able to get -2 level adjustment to a metamagic feat? I guess a trait is not a feat... What if you got it via Additional Traits feat?