Ok, I admit that that last enemy spell thingee was weak, but Unne left me out to dry here.

Ummm... The Black Wizard can equip the Opal Bracelet, too. I suppose with the gauntlets and such, the Red Mage will absorb more, but his evade is also weakened.

As for buying the bracelets in Elfland, they are a waste of money. You can find one in Marsh Cave. His evade is so high it doesn't really matter too much anyway, especially when on the back row. Besides, you can get the other bracelet in Melmond.

This topic has just about been exhausted. But I must say, I've never had a game where I've said, "Man, I wish I took a Red Mage!" It's usually something along the lines of, "Man, I wish I had the White/Black Mage!" You anticipate for the lack of balance while choosing your party. I suppose you can throw in a Red Mage, but I think it really comes down to how you play and what you like. We're so biased at this site. So stubborn...