[@jasonwolf]
So, reading through your first post again and coming across the needing a familiar thing. I was wondering if you'd allow the possibility of using objects to channel magic. Like wands, rings, and each could channel magic a different way. Combing these "channellers" could also open up more precise spells. I was also thinking that casting without a "channeller" would be like flipping a coin. While on fire. The pain factor would still be there, but the spell the caster is attempting to cast should be more wild and uncontrollable, with always a chance it'll go wrong. Horribly wrong. Adding this layer of suspense in action-packed scenes when a caster is knocked down to an inch of his life, and very desperate. 
Only a suggestion.