The reason why crafting scrolls is useful is because you can make Magic Unlock scrolls.
There is a Resurrection skillbook.
If you are afraid of Fear, increase your Leadership, which grants immunity from fear to all the other party members.
Mages are best when you use your main chars for them, because there are not enough useful talents for casters and your other party members are not able to trade talents for ability/attribute points.
Pure mages are easier to respec than other classes, since you can craft their scrolls and skilllbooks if they don't show up in the stores.
Perception are wasted points on a mage, since the +INT books will give you a heavy attribute malus.
When it comes to dmg/AP mages will fall far behind the other classes when it comes to single targets, but they are very good at keeping enemies locked down or dealing AoE damage.
