Originally Posted by
Calthropstu
See, now this I have no problem at all with. If magic had little in the way of battle application, but huge gains in other ways that would be different. But if magic becomes practical for in person battle, if it's not better than swinging a sword and carrying a shield, wth is the point? Pay a soldier to protect you would be far more cost effective so you could direct your studies elsewhere for more practical purposes a la developing nukes.
Why on earth would a militia pay any more to a battle wizard than a sword swinger if they are relatively equal in power? And if there isn't more to be had, why specialize in something that is as useful as swinging a sword.
Either magic is more capable in battle, or it isn't used in battle. I see little in between.