Sorry you're right, that still wasn't comparing the same sort of spells. One was Physical and the other was Mana. Make a Physical version of Stunbolt (not Mana). Or a Physical damage version of Clout... The two spells have exactly the same stats, same Drain, same targets available, because apparently objects aren't immune to Stun, just immune to damage that doesn't exceed their armor value (thanks for pointing that out!). Only difference is one is Direct, the other is Indirect.
We'll use the Physical damage spell as our example though.
Direct Physical spells are resisted by Body (+ Counterspelling).
Indirect spells are resisted by Reaction (+ Counterspelling), + Body + half Impact.
Same Drain, pretty much guaranteed less damage with that Indirect Spell.
My complaint is exactly this. Direct Spells are "resisted" by Attribute + Counterspelling. That is basically a lie, it isn't a resistance, just a dodge. If you don't fully dodge the spell, you haven't resisted anything. You take the full damage.