the 10k cap is not the problem you think it is.

Before, you had 14400 mana. Res would run you 3600, or 25%. Jolt II, verfire, and verstone were 360, or 2.5%. Veraero and Verthunder were 480, or 3 and 1/3 percent. Holy and flare were 600, or 4.1666%.

Now, the relative mana costs, respectively, are 24%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Every single spell is cheaper, but a higher relative cost, excepting verraise. On top of that, red mage's spell rotation was extended by one spell; the 5% costing scorch.

Red mage's mana issues have nothing to do with the 10k cap. It's all about the relative costs. Those are what make red mage a bit more tough on the mana bar.

And you know, that's perfectly fine with me. Hit lucid on cooldown and you're fine. Between bards and mana shift, mana was way too easy until this expansion. The 10k cap makes it a lot easier to read as well.