mages in 4.0 why you even need them ?

[Marianno]

Perhaps while casting, if the spell is say, (i'm just gunna throw a number out here) one second or so till the cast would be complete if they move it would not interrupt the cast and the spell would go off? This would allow an opportunity to get out of aoes and such.

EDIT;
As of the live letter
YoshiP Admits certain content is unkind to BLM
MP issues will be adjusted
Triple cast CD reduced to 60s from 90s
recommends to stack spell speed.
Fire IV Will be 2.8 secs base cast time

Is this true? So then perhaps all is not lost upon them BLM. Has there been word on B4 being a dps loss? Some of my mates are saying it is a dps loss but I cannot confirm anything (ps4).

[Alkimi]

Is this true? So then perhaps all is not lost upon them BLM. Has there been word on B4 being a dps loss? Some of my mates are saying it is a dps loss but I cannot confirm anything (ps4).

In very movement heavy fights, yes atm you're better off just skipping B4 outside the opener. Perhaps this will change when BLM MP and Fire 4 casting times are adjusted, as well as having access to a lot more spell speed with newer gear.