How do you reconcile hit points?

[Orius]

Cure Moderate Wounds did exist at least in 2e in Spells and Magic, and it was IMO a sensible addition at the time as it filled a gap in healing magic that existed. Pre-3e D&D had Cure Serious at level 4 spells, which meant only CLW and healing potions were a party's healing assets until at least the cleric hit level 7. Otherwise, you'd have to pay a temple for better healing. However, Cure Moderate just isn't as classic as the other spells.