Exactly, the single session where wizards are level 1 in an inaugural battle that likely lasts 2-3 rounds
Yes, OK, two sessions, maybe three since wizards level slower. In AD&D your GM should be awarding for good ideas, role play, encouragement of other players, etc. though, as well as enemies slain. And it’s common to be a little generous with XP in those first sessions.
There was a reason wizards carried daggers and slings as well in early levels.
I just get tired of magic users complaining that they need to do equal damage to fighters from the beginning at range and also be able to warp reality in higher levels.
Tbf, problem is most never get to the reality warping stuff
They should not warp reality at high levels or martials should have more power at later levels