So they all run into the same shock/water/fire/ice/lightning problem where ice and fire are not actually much of a step?
This is the case yes
Any objections to pulling out the actual levels of spells involved?
Sure:
Earth ways (Essence base): Bolt III level 11, bolt IV level 15, Bolt V level 20
Magestaff (Essence base): Bolt III level 12, bolt IV level 17, Bolt V level 20
Air Mastery (Mentalism base): Bolt III level 11, bolt IV level 16, Bolt V level 20
Crystal Ways( Mentalism base): Bolt III level 14, bolt IV level 17, Bolt V level 19