The weapon being used in the animation is just due to the fact that people always complained (and rightly so I think) that mages had cool weapons but they were always sheathed. I wouldn't think there's more to that so don't go too crazy with speculations Plus didn't we already have that discussion before? ._.;
Anyway, personally, while I wouldn't want mages to get any WS some abilities using TP to buff spells or etc. would be fine with me.