My group insists on having wizards and clerics cast spontaneously- help!

[Freesword]

The only real issue I'm seeing is the "Spells Known = 3 * the number of spells that you can cast per day per level". That seems like a bit much considering they should be able to swap out spells known each day when they prepare spells.

Sean is definitely on the right track.

Personally I would have them use the normal spells per day chart without bonus spells as their spells known. Domain spells and school bonus spells are prepared as normal. I would also keep their spells per day at the same number as normal for the class instead of using the spontaneous casting class progressions.

This way the spontaneous casters still get some advantages to keep them relevant.

[pachristian]

Have you tried this variant? I recall using something similar in a long-ago game. Most games and players have a small batch of favorite spells, so getting to choose whatever you like when you like is not as big an edge as one might think. The advantage I can see to this variant is it allows for a more cinematic or fantasy-fiction style wizard. You know, the one who always has just the right spell handy. Given the frequent complaints about Vancian magic, this is just one more way around it.

After you've done a scenario "their way" then you should ask them to try it by the published rules. Assuming your players are at least slightly mature, compare notes, and discuss what worked and what didn't. Point out that if they want to play in the Pathfinder Society or at conventions, they will need to play by the published rules (don't use this argument if you have a book of house rules of your own).

If you do use their variant, and wizards and clerics seem overpowered, up the encounters per rest to 6 or 8 (vs. 4 or 5). That swings the balance heavily in favor of the characters who do not have 'charges' on their powers (i.e. fighters and rogues).

I agree that sorcerers seem a little less useful - but they have more spells per day, even if it's from a limited list (you might, like, double the sorcerer's list). Maybe you could change sorcerers so they draw all their spells from one (or two) schools of magic?

[Imaginos]

Go ahead and let them cast spontaneously, but include the following house rules:

1. Skill check required for casting spells (use either spellcraft or a knowledge spell)
2. Non-casters are so trained that their attack rolls do not need to hit, they only have to check for confirming a critical with each attack. Oh, and all the monsters too.

:D

[Kolokotroni]

A decent compromise might be to use the spell point system from unearthed arcana. It still kind of imasculates spontaneous casters (and i recommend dramatically increasing spontaneous caster spell point levels beyond what is listed if you want anyone to even consider playing them) but then again that seems like a given in this situation regardless or your compromise.

The spell point system means you still have to prepare as a cleric or wizard normally, but you can then pick and choose among those spells you prepared as you go along expending spell points. It might be a relatively proven way to give them some of the flexibility they want, without being as over the top as what they want clearly is.