well you'll find yourself using items at the end of DoS as well, you get items that cast healara rather than just heal. As well as items that cast flare and holy... but a higher INT does make these stronger so it is useful to have the high INT of the actual mages... and anyone can become an efficient fighter by the end, my knight has ragnarok, Master has his hands, White Wiz has ultima weapon, and Black Wiz has Masamune, they all do at least 800 damage when they attack!

THE JACKEL