A basic question

[MaxWilson]

Yes, AOE 1 spells are significantly better than single-target spells. Except the single-target spells which are 100 precision; for some reason they don't count as missile attacks. Incinerate, Drain Life, Frozen Heart, etc. Single-target 100-precision spells also tend to target more powerful enemies, not chaff, which gives them another little bit of efficiency.

-Max