But when it came time to participate with others on quest, could you (and others who picked mage) actually perform your spells in front of others with any grace?
I see a few brainy responses here -- no insult directed at you, IW -- who say they'd be best suited to the magic-studying life of a mage. And in a tabletop game, all we have to do is declare, "I cast Such-and-Such spell!" But in a real action scenario, with casting performance on the line? ... I have healthy doubts.
Sorry, folks, but it's fighter and thief for most of ya, with cleric close behind.