My my mage was quite purely hydromage, having offence and defence, mainly because CC is still the best support and Warlord totally broken at current state. She healed, shielded, teleported, froze, slowed and set everything on fire.
In DOS2 you just need to get rid of all the magic armor to freeze for sure (exception immunities of course).
In DOS1 there were chances of having the effect and chances of withstanding the effect.
You exchange 4 skill points for 4 other skill points, so it seems quite equal.
