Maxperson
Morkus from Orkus
2e changed that, though. Once 2e came along, even with the same hit points as 1e the 2e wizard destroys the fighter because of stoneskin.Weapon specialization was not an optional rule, it was a standard rule following the publication of unearthed Arcana. Unearthed Arcana improved all classes, but it improved Fighters and Rangers more than others.
On average MU had 17.5 hps at 7th level. On a character with average rolls, a fighter optimized for damage and no strength bonus prior to unearthed arcana and wielding a Two-Handed sword will kill an average Magic User with 4 swings. This takes 2.5 rounds if the magic user does not try to cast a spell, or 2 rounds if he does try to cast. The chance of the MU getting off a spell while in melee against such a fighter is about 40% depending on which spell he is trying to cast, the casting time, and if he wins initiative.
After Unearthed Arcana an optimized Fighter optimized for damage wielding a broadsword and a handaxe with double specialization in both will kill a 7th level MU on average in 2 rounds, or in 1 round on average if the MU tries to cast a spell.
Going ranged, a Fighter with a bow will take 3 rounds to kill an average Wizard or 1 round if he has specialization.
The numbers above assume no bonuses of any kind for the fighter from strength or dex and on the second example they include the -2/-4 to hit penalty.
Do you have an example for a 7th level Wizard to cast against a 7th level fighter.
And of course in 1e if the wizard got off the fly or invisibility spell it was over as well.