More Effectiveness with Tier II (and eventually III, IV) Elemental Spells: With the current calculations for Elemental Spells (like Fire I vs. Fire II, etc.), it's oftentimes better to cast Tier *I* Spells over Tier II because they are faster to cast, have smaller cooldowns, and are cheaper (MP), and do similar damage (depending on the enemy) at times. During some farming situations / grind parties, I can land more Spell Damage on Tier I (including Critical damage), faster, than Tier II spells.
Did you even play the game post 1.19?