Actually only FFV, VII, and the spin-off titles make being hit with the spell a requirement, all the other games don't. Also in every game since the Job Class' introduction there is a Control/Manipulate ability which can be used to make getting the spells easier. I love the Blue Mage class because they are usually broken as all hell except in VIII and X where the game's other mechanics make them worthless and I find it fun exploring the world to find all the spells, they bring help expand the scope of the game by being a pseudo-mini-game in of themselves.