Warriors are a more annoying class to play than mages (less convenience, more gear dependence and the need for skill practice). In return, they can utterly mow down a near infinite number of mages (in a row, not together) if both are unprepped and both are at least moderately skilled. Throughout the low and midranks warriors are dominant*. Clearly I'm biased, but if warriors are going to get a break with preps then mages need a break with sleeks.


*Yes, yes, I'm sure mages can be good in the low/midranks when played by a master. The fact remains that you pretty much never see an Ilrek, or a Quas in mage form. Self-fulfilling prophecy doesn't really explain that away.