I had never played EQ before this server and started with a mage. It's fun and a good idea if you are just getting started since you can solo. You have to know how to control your pet though. I do like the appeal that necros have with their abilities to solo undead camps (Lguk for example. great place for necros.) Sometimes I wish I had rolled a necro.
I would say do not be an enchanter if you don't know a little background to it. Good enchanters can keep multiple things mezzed, and sometimes this is necessary when the puller gets a bad pull (or just sucks.) You can make or break a group as an enchanter just like a cleric or tank or whatever else.
But basically I rolled a mag because my boyfriend said that's what I should play. I really enjoy it. Magicians are great starting chars. And hey, if you don't like it, it's not like you can't start over. You can use whatever int gear you get for your mage for your necro and enchanter too. Necros need +hp too because of their Lifespike (I think that's what it's called? Turns HP into mana iirc) and chanters need +cha. I would say you have to have somewhere close to 200 charisma once you get higher level and your charm actually works.
Hope I helped. Your friends would probably be willing to powerlevel you (druids and shamans are good for this.) Not sure what you meant by "what happens with Mages once they max out and other class's catch up? Are they not as good anymore, compared to when they were leveling?" From what I've heard, mages are overpowered now and when Kunark comes out they are about average with everyone else, that is until they get their epic and rule all again
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] Don't know if that answered your question. But good luck in choosing your class!