We consider the hypothesis that (i) mv≃0 because the neutrino is SU (3)c× U (1) e.m. neutral, (ii) m electron = 0 at the isospin limit where mu=md, and (iii) all first-generation fer-mions turn massless as αc, α e.m. →0. This hypothesis is supported by the empirical Abraham-Lorentz-type mass formula m=(ζ1Q+ζ2B)2, whose quadratic structure is attributed to a universal seesaw mechanism. We demonstrate how such a formula can stay exact even when switching on the inter-generational mixings. We present a complete model with the above features which gives quark and lepton masses and the K-M matrix, including CP violation.