There are definitely no races that are inherently the strongest!

For a Mage, you need to develop "Spellcasting," "Education," and "Machine Management." I agree that the latter isn't very necessary, but then the Mage will be able to cast absolutely any spell (except for forbidden ones)! Mini-artifacts are expensive, but when you have plenty of money, you can afford them :). And the problem of characteristics is solved by ordinary artifacts :). But, of course, only a skilled player will defeat any enemy while playing as the Academy. And the chances for the other races are the same.