This is my main problem in the FF games that dont have set ways, such as FFX with the sphere grid.

My problem right now is with FF7 which i haven't ever played past the 1st disc. And what im asking is, is Materia such as 'fire' and 'ice' that important? Obviously i want my Black mage and my White mage etc, but i prefer equipping a better piece of equipment over enabling a good materia set-up. Im getting by just fine, but id like to be able to play through without worrying about my materia set-ups. And to be perfectly honest, my physical attacks are on par with the damage i inflict when using magic.

I do value some materia, such as haste, esuna and restore obviously, but is it really important to include all magic (Fire,ice,lightning,earth) and Summon materia in my set-ups?