For effectiveness it depends, of course, on the situation and the sort of opposition you are facing.
On more general terms, I feel like anyone who does not make an effort to explore the wonderfully complex magic system in this game deprives him/herself of one of the best aspects of the game. But everybody is free to pursue is own way to eternal happiness.
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So long !
R³ - Co-president(s) of the Club of Broken Hearts