D&D 5E 14 is the Magic Number

[Jediking]

One thing that needs to be factored into the whole spell attack roll vs forced save debate is that when an enemy is in melee range that ranged attack roll will be made with disadvantage, while a forced save spell works just fine.

I've played with a lot of people who have complained about ranged being the obvious choice and melee being underpowered because cover is never counted (look at how many people think that the Archery fighting style is almost an auto-hit).
Cover is there to help even it out a bit; I like the options and tactics it can open up when it is available, but it has to be in play for all creatures.