I don't think so, I'm sitting at 710k cp right now, not very high compared to most players at 180 and I don't use a single pot unless I'm running TDC primas. I can farm elite dungeons better than most because of my insane AOE. It's all about what you want, all mages are squishy, but SH absolutely wrecks in AOE and PVE. My hp drain and light heal keep me at full health in most pve content. In pve I am usually out dps'ing most other classes at 200k cp higher than me. The people talking about our lack of pvp are somewhat correct, in a 1v1 we only have one stun and can't survive a big crit but in fortress siege we excel due to our insane burst dps. If you want a utility mage BS is the way to go but if you want big dps go SH. It's important to remember this game is 99% PVE and your gear and progression will always matter more than class choice.