As usual lot going on in my mind after reading, but throwing out this bit to address Disciples of Magic using swords under the current Armory System (and really messing with the original design).

A magic sword. A sword that permits the Conjurer (or Thaumaturge) class, replaces a Dart attack with a Slash or Stab attack. Utilizes physical attack and accuracy, provides nil benefit as a caster. Caster has their sword, but sustains the natural penalty of not having the magic potency and magic accuracy benefits of a cane / scepter / etc.

Could use refinement, but just throwing it out there.