Well my mage had already Higher Magic level 1, in fact since level 6/7
and know all school level 1 plus some other stuff, in fact only mage skills but a warrior skill to get more rage. At the end of first parts he also had two reserve slots. At beginning of Islands there was many packs that are even or slightly stronger. With Gift I could continue quite long without to lost too much time.
But well I drop it for now because I need more than Sacrifice or at least it's how I feel it now if I want do a good time record. But he would be a nice tactic training to continue play it anyway.
But I choose start a new with Gift in first areas.