Here, you’re describing what was seen a couple of maps ago, with the proper Mage’s Guild – but even in those days, Voidal Magic was used for what you’re describing – for show, for casting, for “flexing”, if you will. That was the general objective, in getting it; acquire it, ignore the downsides and powergame the upsides to reach any end you may desire to reach. Voidal Magic isn’t a means to an end, but it’s what it’s been made out to be, and it’s been that way the last couple of years.
A couple of years ago, Voidal Magic was a fairly uncommon commodity, but not only because those who wielded it had greater power than they do these days, but because of the “flex”, as you’ve pointed out. Since I believe Axios and Atlas, and the Lore Games, its power has been mitigated, but as a result it’s become very, very commonplace to have such a thing. I see dozens of MAs for Voidal Magic every month.
Now, Archons were present in those days, when there existed a proper Mage’s Guild where there were actual “masters”, as you speak of, which began and thrived in the days of Kalamoot. However, Archons were severely overpowered, they were used just as those who comment on this post insinuate they will be used again, and they were effectively a huge boast for those who had them, alongside people who dedicated entire characters to stacking Voidal Magics .. why?
You’ve said it yourself: