I've not seen a topic for this so forgive me if I have missed it.
Recent tweets by Ghostcrawler seem to suggest that something Blizzard will be tackling in the next expansion will be ability bloat.
Quite frankly, we've too many buttons. All classes do, and some streamlining would definitely help.
As I see it, there are two primary ways they can deal with this. The first is to straight up remove abilities that are rarely used. The second is to parcel more abilities into specs, meaning they become spec locked and only available if you're a Fire Mage or an Arcane Mage.
So what Mage abilities will be affected?
I'm going to give my suggestions but I'd like to hear what other Mages think.
*Conjure Mana Gem*: As Mists has gone on, I've noticed that I have never had to use my Mana Gem in either Fire or Frost spec. When I had to go Arcane, I did. Conjure Mana Gem should either be entirely removed, with Arcane adjusted to compensate, or made an Arcane only spell.
Flamestrike: The red-headed stepchild of our AOE rotation. Arcane Explosion is good for when we are cheek by jowl with a pack of mobs. Blizzard is excellent for us when we are at range. Flamestrike is just bad, with it's cumbersome cast time. Our AOE has been a mess this expansion. Remove Flamestrike I say, and roll any beneficial effects it may have into a resurrected Blast Wave, either a talent or a Fire Mage spell.
Those are my two suggestions actually. Those are the only two spells I wouldn't mind seeing purged.
Surely there are more spells we can do without?