As a rule, I only use magic for buffs, debilitating spells, and travel and almost NEVER cast spells that directly hurt or kill the enemy. I rely on ranged and melee attacks.

BTW did you clear out the maze with you KTCS without any reloading? If my party experienced a full party death, the game is OVER for me and I must start anew. This is my ONE unbreakable rule and I never deviate from it. I also never multiloot monsters and never save/reload at shops.

Each to his own, of course and each has his/her own style of playing. Who is to say which one is "correct"? My motto is: "I play these games for fun, if I want a job, I'll go out and find one!"