I had a discussion about this, and something I will call max power level came up. The issue with a lich is mainly that their max power level, when buffed up by ABS, good gear, phylacteries etc. is far higher than a "normal character". The wand debate comes into this aswell, for "normal classes". I would say that the game is balanced around a mage haveing aura and shield stable, with barrier as a super power option. I think this is the main issue that people have when they dont have stable access to barrier. They see other characters with similar builds as themselves wade thought enemies because of their damage reduction, while their own max power level is severly hampered.