I see a disconnect with the mage patch.
Basically, Riot nerfed individual components of immobile mage kits while giving them new power spikes when using their kits in specific patterns. The player base, however, doesn't seem to jive with the nerfing of the individual components. I haven't had much time with it, but I've at least seen one success case with a Vel'Koz I just played with.
Still, from the community's end, what's more important to a mage? The individual spell spam or some unifying mechanic that ties the parts together? Which is more important to define a kit with?