Well I run a full game try only researching Evoc, Cons and Conj with Live Ermor and manage to win... Wich isn't any good indication as in SP against AI
Anyway my mages performs quite better and as I like to use A LOT OF THEM and summons it definitely doesnt hinder me too much. Interestingly enough the only buff they had is Ethereal Body wich isn't even half that bad .