I don't really mind surface effects though I think they should be toned back a little bit.
Notably too many combats have an exploitative environmental factor which makes it an easy decision to ignite or electrify a surface. Arguably there should be a few less and to take advantage of surfaces two characters would need to do spells, one casting grease and then the other casting a fireball on it for example. It would reward dnd creativity and spell usage without forcing it to be the primary form of engagement with the game.
