[MasterPooBaa]

hmmm, well part buff spells are a different kettle of fish, but i did some experimenting with my monk (psionic spells) a locked box and the detet traps spell (mental magic realm)

after recasting detect traps lots of times i found that casting it at level 1 made me rise in skill points faster (per s.p. used and number of rest periods required)... but the actions of casting so many more detect traps at 1st level compared to a few 7th level it took longer in real world time.

with party buff spells i allways like to cast in the yellow, get the most benefit out of them with a not impossible chance of sucessfull casting. and many party buffs only take note of the first cast, till the spell wears off.
other spells have other pecularities. stamina only goes up if cast in combat, knock knock and divine trap can be cast as much as you want, hypno lure anytime. etc