[MENTION=2518]Derren[/MENTION]
I am curious your reaction to this statement.
In the earlier versions of D&D, wizards were powerful enough to to compete with any other class of PC. In concept, it was supposed to be that the use of magic would not be so great as to make those using it overshadow all others, but in practice it did not work out as planned. Primarily the fault is the game itself which does not carefully explain the reasoning behind the magic system. Also, the various magic items intended for wizards tend to make them too powerful in relation to other classes.
The logic behind it all was drawn from game balance as much as from anything else. Fighters have their strength, weapons, and armor to aid them in their competition. Wizards must rely upon their spells, as they have virtually no weaponry or armor to protect them. Clerics combine some of the advantages of the other two classes. Thieves have the basic advantage of stealthful actions with some additions in order for them to successfully operate on a plane with other character types. If magic is unrestrained in the campaign, D & D quickly degenerates into a weird wizard show where players get bored quickly, or the DM is forced to change the game into a new framework which will accommodate what he has created by way of PCs. I think the most desirable game is one in which the various character types are able to compete with each other as relative equals, because that maintains freshness in the campaign
Your thoughts, [MENTION=2518]Derren[/MENTION]?