Don't you do an extra 25% damage every level you turn down? Seems like apprentice would be a good level to go to after level 50 for a destro mage. Anyone do this at high levels? You would obviously want to to avoid smithing armor so you are not OP.

Instead of utilizing these options, everyone wants the default option to suit them perfectly, that's why. Everyone thinks the game should cater exactly to their own tastes.

Perhaps because if they used swords they don't have to?

umm no,everyone wants the $60 to do it's own damn heavy lifting.

Well I would really like to play a mage, and I am not on the PC so mods are out. I hate illusion, and don't mind conjuration if I only use it here and there. I want to play a destruction mage, so this seems like my only option at a higher level.

I just won't wear armor.

Why don't you try it out?
The game is a lot more enjoyable if you try things yourself, rather than get the forum to tell you.