The quick bar is better than it was in DOS2 but it still has problems after about level 4. Early in the game it's nicely organized into attack modes, spells, potions, etc. Late in the game it become a bit of mess. Attack modes / spells/ potions / spells again / potions again / scrolls / still more spells etc.
It would be better to use the 1-5 hotbar groups as categories. 1. attack modes 2. spells 3. potions and grenades 4. scrolls 5. misc