Cantrips in 5e get stronger eventually, they increase in damage at levels 5, 11 and 17. Since we're limited to level 4 in EA, it doesn't come into play yet. I agree that damage cantrips shouldn't create surface effects and they don't in 5e. They can be aimed at specific surface though, e.g. a firebolt used to ignite spilled oil or burn away brambles/vines, but they don't create a surface on their own in addition to their damage (there are actually cantrips like Bonfire, that can be used for surface creation though).
That comes largely from Larian's homebrew changes and the ease with which you get advantage in BG 3. Get rid of that and buffs/debuffs and control spells become a lot more viable.
Yeah, this is due to another change from 5e that needs to be reverted. Hide is an action in 5e and only rogues are supposed to get it as a bonus action at 2nd level as part of their Cunning Action feature.
You're also not supposed to be able to hide without having some sort of cover, which is partially implemented in BG 3 (you can't hide if you're inside an enemy's vision cone).
Disengage is actually considered an action in 5e, except for rogues as part of the Cunning Action feature and monks as part of their Ki: Step of the Wind feature.
Jump is just part of of normal movement.
Yeah, shove as a bonus action is a very bad idea. It's actually an action in 5e and can be used to either get an enemy to prone position or to shove him back 5 ft.
In 5e exists a Dodge action, that grants an enemy disadvantage against you (for 1 turn) and gives you advantage on DEX saves. Delay turn exists in 5e as well and both should be added to BG 3 as well.
Thank you for explaining all these technical details ! This is funny to see even someone like me who knows almost nothing about D&D feels weird about these things
