Mages suck [img]tongue.gif[/img]
A well made Cleric built by a skilled player who knows the spell system is way better. Tons better. As for things like Flame Arrow and other spells like that, Shield of the Archons should soak those up like sponges. Clerics have spells that can and will make them nearly immune to all matter of most things.
We have already been down this path however, I will say no more.
Druids rock as well. Hope you brought your bug spray.