User blog comment:Lukeatlook/Pyro's Item Overhaul 2 - Diversifying Mages/@comment-8468980-20140316072707

the big problem with ap itemization imo, is that there's a subset of AP mages who simply do not have the tools to really benefit their team. I think strong mid game carries like Velk, Xerath, Cass, Brand, and Annie don't have items that unlock their specific talents. We've seen utility mages like Orianna and Lux, or assassins completely ecclipse them in terms of vability.

Their itemization problem is that AP items are either created for late game scaling (multiplicative scaling), utility (CDR, regen), or defense. What these AP champs need is an item or two that is powerful mid game but gets outshined by Deathcap and Void. Something that grants them a large amount of flat mpen and a competitive amount of AP both at a mid game price. It sounds like it would be something a mega Haunting Guise, or a less expensive abyssal.