yup i think fire mage is far more useful than fire melee, though fire melee is strongest in the game while second is fire mage...

Mage are able to aoe (area of effect) most all the mobs, result in killing up to 6 at once (8 with JS and resonable supple of glaze stones), no other class can do that.

Aniways its your choice in the end. as for water most people like to be unique and choose str type but best to go int type if you are new to the game. Also i say this due to the fact that assit skills are int based. so you can heal for more and have a higher seal rate. INT also affect seal resist rate aswell, more you have less chance you have of getting sealed.