So, since the Mage forum is so inundated with real, useful posts seeking info, I thought it was about time to create a nonsensical one that helps no one. : )
Simply put, which is your favorite Mage race (you may include Cata races, including old ones with the new class, if you so desire), and who is your favorite Mage?
I thought it would also be fun to have two categories for your favorite. One for gameplay (racials, basically), and one for look/lore.
I'll start:
My favorite Mage race for looks/lore are High/Blood Elves. I just like the idea of a magical kingdom that spread magic through the world. Plus, founding Dalaran gets them more kudos.
I also like the way they look (in general, they and Draenei are my favorite looking races, plus Worgen in Cata). They have very clean features, which I like. Their animations make it look like casting spells is exceedingly simple. And they aren't super buff, like Humans are (seriously, I'm sure I could use magic to keep me healthy and such, but I doubt my mage is working out 5 times a week). The only thing I don't like is how their stance makes shoulder armor crooked. It's fine with small ones, but large ones just make me want to scream "Stand up straight." And I guess I should note I don't like how often their cloaks clip with weapons. Draenei are a close second, for me, since magic has been a part of their heritage for over 25,000 years, at least.
As for racials, it's a very close toss-up with Draenei (+1% hit for a whole party is pretty awesome, and I like getting added utility with the HoT), Humans (Spirit, extra trinket in PvP, extra rep) and BEs (Silence and extra mana every 2 minutes--with 20K mana it is equal to 50 mp5).
My favorite Mage would have to be either Kael'thas (before he went wacko) or Rhonin. I liked Kael a lot in WCIII so, even though his story isn't that detailed or deep pre-Illidan, I have a residual appreciation for him. I liked Rhonin a lot in the books, though he doesn't do much in WoW. Like, talk when you click on him...
How about everyone else?