never used pre-combat buffing(except maybe occasional usage of Bedroll just before the combat). and i'm playing on tactical.
so it's definitely only a part of the game if you choose it to be. otherwise it's not mandatory at all.
ps: there are mods in the nexus\steam workshop that increase duration of some spells(mainly poly). or even make them permanent. you may utry to use them to make pre-buffing easier
