D&D General Why is the multi-classing spell slot math so weird?

[Distracted DM]

In 3.5e, spells “upcast” automatically. Your caster level was a factor in the damage calculations, etc. Requiring you to spend a higher level spell slot to get the upscaled effect in 5e was a nerf, explicitly to tone address the “linear fighter, quadratic wizard” problem.

Yup! It probably took the nerf a little too far? Especially since cantrips were made so potent as to keep pace with martials' attacks... it seems a little counter to the mission statement.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I tend to say that if you want to multiclass, you need to be able to accept the problems.

Not a great response to criticism of a system. Like...recognizing that something about multiclassing doesn't make sense doesn't indicate anything resembling an unwillingness to "accept the problems" of multiclassing.