Do caster out of combat options matter?

[Rynjin]

Ah, the age old "but I'm not touching you" argument. Truly we are learning at the feet of the masters!

I made the post(s) you're taking so personally close to 24 hours before you ever posted in this thread. Hell of an ego to assume they're directed at you.

My Lore bard had a mix of combat, healing, and utility. We didn't have a wizard; as the primary arcane caster she had to do a bit of a balancing act. I almost drove myself nuts with the choices for Magical Secrets (and I posted here asking for help in the 5e sub forum). My 'analysis paralysis' has cropped up again with the warlocks I play. (Own goal, but that's me...)

My "speak with dead" at will has been incredibly useful. (Eldritch Invocation).

Yeah, Wizard was just an example. Pretty much any caster should IMO be built the same. Even a dedicated blaster should have slots for utility, because in any good campaign problem solving will involve more than combat.