We have seen an unharmed mage do quite well in an honorable duel. We have also had a mage that has done quite well, any class can do anything if it is done right and both parties are on equal footing. Sure they do not have the def other classes do but that doesn't mean they have to charm up to do PVP, that just means they have to use different tactics. So it depends on the mage and the build and how well the person knows how to play a mage. Use our fiesta money service will make the game more interesting.
We also have a 56 mage that has pretty much done most things solo, only partying she has done is with an archer. Since we've been playing every mage we know PvE wise this cap charms. Why? Well when your doing 2-3 way pulls with 40-60+ mobs you need to decimate the mobs fast b4 the tank falls out and the whole pt gets wiped out some monsters just hit mad hard and have specials that do alotta dmg.
If mages had more def then they would not need to pty which defeats the whole point of Fiesta imo, the main problem at higher levels (fiesta Gold) is the fighters inability to hold enough mobs, mock and deva do not affect anywhere near enough mobs for fighters to be useful in 90 grind parties thus the need for mages to charm constantly. The fighters need fixing not the mages.