Re: Farstrike a useless spell?
 

Use "attack, attack, attack, attack, cast spells" .. this will bring him into melee in 80% of cases. And even if he gets stuck behind the front line, he'll at least be able to cast spells at minimung range and with very high prec therefore.

Actually, 3 or even 2 attack orders should be sufficient in most cases, unless you position the mage way behind all troops a start.