Pact of the Tome warlocks per 5E rules get three cantrips of their choice from any spell list and they get the ability to learn ritual spells. Thus they get a fair bit more utility out of combat, which is where the ability to cast something other than eldritch blast really shines.
Larian has instead given them three cantrips of Larian's choice, specifically Guidance, Viscious Mockery, and Thorn Whip. And that's it, since ritual casting isn't implemented. Guidance is a great cantrip, except it is absolutely horrible for warlocks, because it requires concentration, which means it breaks Hex. And you don't have the spellslots to keep recasting Hex. Viscious Mockery and Thorn Whip are combat spells that don't come close to an invocation-boosted Eldritch Blast. So not only does this pact boon not give you anything, it also gives you a helpful option to accidentally break your Hex in every single skill check afterwards.
College of Lore Bards aren't anywhere near as badly implemented, but per 5E they should get proficiency of three skills of your choice, and of course you wouldn't choose proficiency in skills you were already had proficiency in. Larian instead implemented it as "you get proficiency in Arcana, Intimidation, and Sleight of Hand", meaning you don't get a choice and if any of those skills overlap with your history or class proficiencies then that's too bad. It isn't debilitating as such, just somewhat annoying and imposing. I suppose the bigger draw for the class is getting more access to Magical Secrets, though of course that's also not quite "spells from any classes" in Larian's implementation.
If you want a skill monkey bard who is also good at lockpicking, bullying, and arcane stuff, then lore bard is fine, but you have to plan accordingly. You can respec to change your class proficiency choices but you cannot respec your origin.
Thank you, that's very helpful, and I'll keep the proficiency issue in mind when I role him up.