I agree that the cantrips are too loaded now. But I wouldn't completely the remove the surface effects since they do add tactical depth and fun choices to the game. The most elegant solution would be to..
1) Keep cantrips exactly as they are in 5e
2) Add the option of targeting the ground instead of a creature.
With Firebolt you would have a choice: 1d10 to character OR target ground to create small fire surface (1d4, Dex save).
Same with Ray of Frost: normal effect OR target ground to potentially create an ice surface.
These surfaces need to remain small with probably a duration of only 1 round.
this! +1 Don't wholesale remove surface creation, it really adds to the game
I disagree entirely.
Firebolt shouldn't cause any kind of Surface Fire. It would still end up dealing damage to people around if when you ignite the ground below them, and as their turn begins, as it does now.
It's nonsense that Cantrips have been considered to do this at all to begin with at all.
