You know what?

[Samson007]

Stick to your guns. You don't need charms/extenders to reach high levels or be successful. I'm fast approaching Level 83 and have never spent a dime on this game.

I can see why a mage would be under more pressure to use SC though. Even still, the only thing you actually NEED charms and such to do is a win a PvP KQ.....at least the 75+ one, the ones who win are ALWAYS the ones with the most SC stuff.