Swords and dagger require investment in Str and Dex respectively. In return for your investment in stats you get usage of items that do direct damage.
Staves require no other investment from the Mage other than a stat that is already fuelling their spell damage. Staff of Magus have no restrictions to use. And frankly it's terrible. I'd rather bank AP than use it.... I wish staves had a few caster exclusive modifiers but it should not be a good direct combat weapon.
You are right I'm probably misunderstanding you, what is your complaint with staves?
