Basically, using RDM spells in a systematic way will fill a gauge that gives you access to a powerful combo, which will then start to proc other powerful spells. The difference between the "colored Jolts" is simply because they produce different effects (fills a different bar the gauge) and helps to unlock a lot of different abilities.
For SMN's "colored Ruins" you simply shoot them for raw damage and that's it.
I'm not saying SMN needs to be the same as RDM, but that SMN right now is basically reduced to "use whatever is available without consequence".
