i think the rods aren't a stand, but some sort of weapon that their stand can shoot at a distance, like an airstrike
so the user can kinda direct the attack, but they need to see the location through a camera or a satelite to aim it properly
I assume it's because while there are a few basic magics, most other magics are advanced and harder to learn, while iterating on simple magics is easier.
Tho honestly i get the impression that most people just get to a tier of magic they are comfortable with then iterate from there, that's why...