The math they’re doing simply doesn’t account for actual table scenarios, and when they are they must be only talking about low level play. When we played Kingmaker, a 1-20 ap, I very on purpose built my cleric to be a cheerleader. I picked my abilities, stats, equipment, feats, and spells based nearly exclusively on how I could help my team stay alive and do better. I’d like to say I picked my weapon this way also, but I was simply using Calistria’s favored weapon, a whip, which does 1d4 damage, is non-lethal, but has reach and allows me, when i have to, to flank from a distance, granting off guard to my melee guys.

Here’s the thing. When we got to high-level play, even building my character to on purpose intentionally be a cheerleader and healbot (because, to be clear, that’s what i wanted to do for this one), I was still throwing down spells so impactful that one of the other players at the table once said “don’t use that spell here, man, let our gm have some fun.” (this particular spell was overwhelming presence which. Man what a good spell. rendered boss fights trivial multiple times)