Not true NMF.

Fighter stats:
STR for ATK and CON for DEF/HP, then some WIS for SP/MDEF & Assist

Mage:
INT for MAT and CON for DEF/HP, then some WIS for SP/MDEF & Assist

On top of the other benifits, I think the higher INT makes your Assist spells hit more often. Not sure about that though.

Spoiler:

Level 156 fire
T4
90% of the laws are made because of 10% of the people.