But the riders on some of the smite spells are fantastic. If you're overwhelmed as tank and you fear someone off, grat. Or off dealing with someone by yourself and the damage difference between a Smite spell and a Divine Smite isn't going to drop them this round but a condition can sure make you a happier camper - those are when the Smite spells are worth it. I unfortunately see players get into the rut of just using Divine Smite and they don't use the Smite spells at times when there would be a big advantage from doing so.
Sure, but for my player this has pretty much never been worth it. As a vengeance paladin, he has hunter's mark so using one of the smite spells also costs him that damage.
I wonder if perhaps the Smite spells should have a casting time of 1 reaction instead, being castable when you hit someone. That would match better with the way Divine Smite works.