I've always wanted to play a Mage, but for one I loathe leveling. I also have a 90 Lock, which is my main and I enjoy thoroughly.
How different are Mages from Locks? It's essentially, to me, the same thing from observations. Even Frost has a perma pet, and evenLocks can GoSac pet to be petless like Mages.
So what really is the kicker here? Is it the pvp utility? Is it just that you're throwing frost and fire instead of fel flame and shadows? What sets mages apart?