What do mages really have going for them?

[Balimon]

The proc on rune swords is hardly overpowered, you could easily get by with never using them.

Mages are a fun class to play and to add something that people have overlooked a very high dps class. Especially in group situations. The 49 pet alone is ridiculously good, not to mention focused higher level pets, nukes, DS.