Well, for the more basic stuff it makes sense for them to simply exert their will. It makes a magic user feel like a weakling if they NEED relics and other tools to be able to do anything. I like the idea of particularly powerful spells need tools and materials and stuff, but only the BIG stuff.
Oh and Morgan le Fay has gotten used recent-ish. that version was basically an evil female version of Doctor Strange though. https://avengersalliance.wikia.com/wiki/Morgan_le_Fay