ah!!! I think I found another solution based on what you've suggested.
As I was creating the [Related Rate Card from drop down] via relationship, i was thinking if i can use that field as "Text - Multiple Choice" with selection of another field instead of a picker via relationship.
Then, basically if I change my initial entry field as text - multiple choice w/ "another field" as selection. By doing so, I can handbomb the number, and also provide a dropdown option
I'm not sure if there's a limitation to do this method. Not sure if there's a maximum of choice can be use as "multiple choice" selection from another field
