Need help with Mercantile skill please!, Cannot raise above 50.... Options

[Vlan Jod'Rhazor]

First off, every since Morrowind I have become a barter junkie. I love raising my mercantile to ensure I get the most bang for my buck. You'd think that restore fatigue potion is only worth 18 septims max, but watch as I get 19! =)

Anyway, I bartered and bartered until I hit Journeyman status. Good, one road block down, two to go. As soon as I hit 50 skill, I stopped gaining skill points. I don't mean it slowed down, I mean the slider actually stopped.

How do I gain skill? I did notice that merchants have their own skill, do they have to have the same skill status or higher in order to increase my skill? I've sold probably 4k worth of loot without seeing any red in the skill bar.

Any help or theories please. Don't hold back. =)

Vlan Jod'Rhazor
Level 14 Imperial Adventurer

[Khaan]

Do you always put the "haggle" bar as high as it can go without them rejecting your offer? Thats all I can think of,