but in the case of combat
Quite the contrary...
Combat would be worse for litteral transcription.
Just take range ...
Eldrich Spear gives your Eldrich Blast 300f range!
I didnt measure that but by guess i believe that means you would be able to snipe Gnolls from Risen road from the Grove!
In pure matter of range, ignoring line of sight. Ofc.
Then take for example Chromatic Orb ...
Many people around here complains about its surface effects ... i was one of them until i counted out that curent fire orb have even greater damage potential than tabletop one ... and there is no component needed, meaning Chromatic Orb basicaly owerdamage any other spell you have. :-/