Originally Posted by
satorian
The argument from psychology (choice overload) or the argument from game variance (xyz depends on your DM or your table) is not relevant for determining which class is objectively stronger. The wizard is that, for all the reasons others have posted above.
"Better" is not stronger, and is subjective to the player, the table, the DM, etc. But by a subjective measure, a Warmage could be "better", but he sure isn't stronger. Same with the sorcerer.
I personally never wanted to nor want to play a wizard, because I'm too lazy to deal with the planning every session. Still, I'm aware I play the weaker choice to increase my fun.