With proper use of metamagic, every spell is potentially like five different spells. Poindexter over here might have two dozen different named spells written down in his diary, but I know two fire based spells and I can make each of them do about eight different things, half of which aren't even fire damage.
It's the difference between writing down a recipe, and knowing how to cook.
I've always felt like Ice Storm was a better spell, but it is one level higher. I like its increased damage radius, and difficult terrain that it creates.