[OmikronWarrior]

If you're up against tramplers definitely rush Thau-4 for paralyze. As for the expense of casting storm, you are partially correct. Not only do you need the gems every battle, but it pretty much removes a mage from being able to cast thunderstrike multiple times. However Storm staffs are 25 air gems (though you can certainly use hammers to reduce that) and const-6. Spending the one or two air gems per battle won't be a biggie, especially if you started to site search early. If you're willing to spend just a few more air gems you can effectively quadruple your artillery (as only 1 in 4 of your air mages will have A3 off the bat).

Also, I forget what path Aim is under, but its very useful, especially if you're trying to neutralize somebodies archers with storm and mists.