as the mage combat goes i think you people are arguing pointlessly, the low level spells meant to be a spell that do not waste your energy, as i see it casting MM is wasting, casting choke is not that of a waste, but it's not as harmful, casting Fire Ball can exhaust the caster as it consumes a lot of energy to do etc. I back this project regardless of the spell system or combat ability, i back it cause it's an RPG and you do not always need to fight to win, you can approach events in several ways, and still get a rearward for it, that's what attracts me, and not pointless fighting.
as for pet, i would love to see a Dog, Cat, Fox, Wolf, Hawk.... but nothing unnatural... unless i play a mage who can enchant his pet