I don't really agree with that, but we are both leaving out a lot of factors. Various levels, races, specific classes, skill %, and so on.

Sure mages have less hp, but warriors aren't going to have their weapons/defense/offensive skills maxed either. Plus, at pre-25 you can pretty easily gear for hp to make up for what the mage lacks vs. the warrior. Mages defenses suck, but they can put out more damage.

The fun comes from using tactics to minimize your weaknesses and maximize your strengths.

A mage should be trying to get a jump on the fighter, preferably while he/she is fighting and/or hurt.

A warrior just needs to be sure he can see the mage coming, be healthy, and wield the appropriate weapons.

I definitely agree the warrior has the better advantage at low levels, but that is how it is meant to be. That is also only "in general" since we have examples of bad ass low level mages. Jindricho or whatever Sam's transmuter's name was is one such example. Any elf/dark-elf invoker can leverage their high damage spells, invis, and inherent sneak to rack up some kills too. Necromancer gets sleep at level 10, he doesn't need much more.

Shapeshifters suck. Or rather, I suck at them. So don't know about them. Never played conjurers or know enough to comment on low level play.

I just don't think mages have it all that bad at low levels as you seem to think. I also don't think trip is even a factor. I also don't think bash is even that hard to deal with.

Just remember they are meant to be weak early on and power houses later on. Mages die a lot more at low levels I'd, but honestly I don't even want to fathom the number of mages I've helped rank from level 20-30 that are still wearing academy leathers.

Finally, I don't think your change would even make more mages fight at low levels. I think they will still try to power level (wearing the aforementioned fine leathers) so they can see their wand setup.