My feeling is that with Patrons and Allies, you can get (or at least ask for) as many abilities as you want.
An ally is someone you are friendly with, of approx the same power as yourself. You can ask them for help but a) they can say no and b) they will ask for similar help or c) store up two or more favours and one day ask for something really serious. So you have someone who might help you when you need it and the Narrator has a hook to pull you in to further stories.
A patron is more powerful than yourself (possibly only through social position, eg 20w2 relationship with clan or tribe). A patron can tell you to something with the reasonable expectation that you will at least try. They will pay your ransom, arrange revenge, sponsor a prosecution against those who wrong you and have you beaten up, locked up or exiled when you embarrass them or if it is politically expedient for them to do so. They might help you out with expenses (but I wouldn't bet on it).
Wesley Quadros' page has a Carmanian who is a troubleshooter for the Red Emperor. He gets jobs to do and is repaid by an occasional smile at court (the Emperor's favour, I imagine, is a very powerful lever).
In a rapidly moving campaign, I could see that, as your character advances, your patron becomes an ally and then a follower (and then a dependant).
regards,
Charles
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