If such an enemy is surprised, it would be enough to enter combat automatically, but have the rest of your party attack once first before the enemy gets their turn.
Yes, that's my understanding of the point of the surprised status. However, because combat doesn't always start automatically, you can end up with multiple free attacks. But in my view it's still the combat not starting automatically that's the problem, rather than surprise!
Though I guess it is true that with a sufficiently sneaky character you could still surprise most enemies and get a chance for your party to attack first, that seems a fair use of stealth. Well, as long as the enemies are given a fair chance to spot your character, anyway!
