I've played Dragon Wars (another game that could be added to the list of CRPGs where magic, particularly attack magic, is quite powerful), and here are some thoughts:
* The game tends to be focused more on exploration rather than combat. In fact, while you do earn XP from battles, you get your equipment and spells via exploration. Also, level ups don't do that much.
* The game has a classless skill point system. You start with 50 skill points, but only get 2 more at each level up.
* Some battles may be hard if you get into them too early. However, most can be solved either through better armor on your front line, or by blasting them with area attack spells, which are *really* good in this game.
* There are plenty of Dragon Stones. Use them! Don't even think of trying to conserve them, or you'll be constantly out of inventory space.
* Your HP is a lot lower than in most RPGs, but of course the game is balanced accordingly. If an enemy is capable of doing double-digit damage to the entire party at once, the battle is not one you should be fighting. (There's only one battle where this happens, and you are definitely not supposed to fight; there's a better solution.)

I agree, although I would add:
* I would apply this to non-combat elements as well. Things like, for example, picking locks or fishing.
* I would apply it to other control methods as well. Some RPGs use only keyboard (Ultima 1-5, some versions of Dragon Wars, early Gold Box games), while some use a gamepad instead (basically any released on a console, and therefore most JRPGs).