I'm surprised Troika didn't shorten the inventory screen for magic types, offering compensation to those tech users who need the inventory area for their components. Probably unexplainable in terms of Arcanum's universe--though you're right, the magic types are so much easier to play, as a result.
When I spoke to one of the Troika team, he acknowledged that the interface really didn't work out. They wanted an alternative to BG2's muitiple screens, and decided to fit all information on a single screen with panels that change according to your need. Problem is, there's just too much to see, and it's a hassle. I'm particularly displeased with having to analyze tech and spell trees all the time.
Great game, though. Highly configurable and non-linear.
