[Endoperez]

I voted for "they are equal" in Earth, because it's the closest to what I do: I dabble in lots of levels early on, to get Summon Earthpower, perhaps Earth Meld, perhaps Earth Boots/Dwarven Hammers, and then something to use that Earth with, usually Blade Wind or Magma spells. Earth gets lots of things from many sources. Alteration, Evocation, Construction, perhaps even Enchantment if I have something else to get from there as well...