How...terribly off topic. HOWEVER, while we are talking about this, I figure I will throw in my two cents. It is my opinion that you folks are talking about the magic/drain scales only from the perspective of the research bonus it provides. Now, don't get me wrong, research bonuses are nice. They give you the spells.
However, a component of the magic/drain scale which is at least as important is the fatigue bonus on spells cast. Even though going from magic 1 to magic 2 does not give you more research, it DOES allow your mages to sling around more spells. Meanwhile, the drain scale makes it harder to cast spells in your domain.
In other, game related news, my etheral virgins wound up attacking barbarians blind turn two, but they turned out all right. In case anyone was wondering
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