Some other things I've noticed which mesh with your info here.
Druids can have a 3 (plus stat bonus) per day attack if they choose to have a cleric domain rather than an animal companion. The fire domain for instance. This gives them another option since animal companions always seem to serve better as defenders, or die often.
There's also at will cantrips like Acid Splash. While 1d3 damage isn't much, it's a touch attack which is nice in many low level situations allowing the wizard to steadily contribute even if his attack rolls aren't very good.
Another boon to arcane casters or even dabblers is the Arcane Strike feat. This feat allows the caster imbue his weapon as a swift action giving it a +1 magical enhancement bonus to hit and damage. This bonus goes up as they level too.
All in all I too love the frailty but being tapped for resources and forced to press on is a condition players will only be generally interested in once in a while.
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