They should have mechanical counter. At least halve the damage along with halving the cast time so the skill floor is raised and you decrease alpha damage. Jump cast are more effective now since you get twice the air time for the same amount of damage. Mages will be faster pace which means its less boring. From there once major issue have been resolved then you can work in mechanical counters.
Its not like people haven't make post about this in the past. One of the longest running issue with the game is mage imbalance.
I was under the impression the mechanical counter was interrupts and more specifically archers? The ability to interrupt and disrupt a cast would be significantly more difficult on a shorter cast time. Without the consideration for interrupts, positioning for mages is also less relevant which is a massive con in my book.
Boring is such a subjective perspective as the next player might love the way they currently play. Not to forget, we haven't even realised anywhere near half the number of mage schools we're supposed to get. Additionally, ecumenical is supposed to be the basic mage school.
I think the only mage imbalance argument that has validity is that around material/reagent cost and the ease of "gearing" after death.