My first main is a mage. I still totally love the class.
The neat thing about a mage is that it forces a player to think in terms of 3 dimensions rather than two. When viewed as a three dimensional character the mage is far less squishy. You control the mob by moving the mage around and by slowing the mob freezing it in place; blinking to another place. Facing becomes important, quick reflexes; knowing where to go AND what to do are crucial decisions.
Because of the pet, a lock is essentially a turret. It does not move a great deal, but instead puts the pet in between or road blocks the mob. Same can be said of a hunter. Two classes have very similar styles.
As for Palidinians, well I hate them, on a number of different levels.
So a mage alt is totally worth it, if for nothing else, you live on the edge with no sword or axe, no demon or cat, just you a dress and your wits to survive.