I Find Your Lack of Warblades Disturbing.

[moritheil]

3) If you're going into a prestige class like JPM, the Crusader benefits more than any other base initiator class from extra readied maneuvers, since each one gained also increases the number granted.

I hadn't thought about it that way; good catch.

4) A Warblade takes a swift action + a standard (or attack, to a spellcaster, same difference, barring a touch spell) action to recover maneuvers. Those are a mage's most important actions, as most rounds he can get off a spell with each. The swift also potentially gets in the way of using an immediate action spell the round prior, like Wings of Cover, if a sorcerer. Crusader, on the other hand, refreshes at no action cost. Actions are precious to a caster (except move actions ).

I really think that's it. For a dip, Crusader has the best refresh mechanic, hands-down.

 

[Zurai]

I could see doing a single level of Warblade + Wizard. With a single level of warblade, you get to add your int to reflex saves...

No, with a single level of Warblade, you add +1 to your Reflex save. Battle Clarity is capped to Warblade level.