"AP isn't viable unless I can zero counterplay one shot squishy champions..."

...while also bringing some of the best utility in the game, not to mention the safest and most consistent ranged wave clear in the game."

Let's be real, this is exactly what mage players want. Several AP champions, both assassins and mages are consistently played competitively, such as . This represents roughly the same number of ADCs, tanks and bruisers that get played, many of whom can also go mid/top. Mages aren't being ousted, they're actually balanced for once.

Stop the damn tears. AP is fine. Yes is busted right now. It's arguable that many support items could be a bit too good but mages still get played regardless because unlike ADCs and even bruisers, they serve several purposes from ranged safe weaveclear to utility. Just because you can't one-shot everything doesn't mean they suck, you're just a biased whiner who wants the game to come easier to you because you suck.