Ok so you started by talking about Bless and how it only changes one attack in 8 and a Cleric was better using a Cantrip or attacking. I didn't think that is true and illustrated why with numbers, now it seems you don't either since you are saying Bless is a good spell.
The real thing I disagree with is the following
"Which more or less nullifies any benefit gained by bless offensively if cast at a level 1 spell ....what could a different spell (or cantrip or attack) have done for the party instead."