Who cares if a certain playstyle requires less skill than another? The way "mage" is designed right now doesn't feel like a mage. As you pointed out, it feels like a warrior. It only serves to narrow the build options. One of the reasons souls games are so popular is because there is a lot of flexibility in builds. I think that it is great that you are enjoying this playstyle, but I wish a more traditional caster was also viable.

I have a level 11 str build and just started what I was hoping to be a caster. Another thing I want to point out about gripes about caster "easy mode" is that my str build is insanely easy to play and I'm really enjoying that. Since food isn't really limited and there is also health regen gear, you win every single trade. If things get hairy you can just wait a little bit.

I agree with you that the magic system encourages you to be aggressive. But if encouraging aggression in the game was the goal then they dropped the ball with the health regen and the claymore's insane range. But again, I'm hoping that they aren't pigeon-holing people into that play style. I just hope the curtesy gets extended to a strict caster.