I've played a Magician before, as well as been in parties with them, and seen how special items and abilities can affect spells. However, in a general sense, my original point is valid. Normally, Lightning Bolt is a highly potent, but very costly offensive spell. If you wanted to take down lots of opponents, use something like Fireball instead. On the whole, it's more cost effective in PP's to use it than to hose the battlefield with lightning bolts. Save the Lightning Bolt for bigger things, don't just use it as suppressive fire.
Also, in combat, it's standard practice for anyone with any sense to target Mages first. Otherwise they can and will rain magical destruction down everywhere.