Yeah, the more I think on it, the better hexblade/lore sounds like an option I can enjoy playing so long as I focus on damaging spells for the lore spells. It's good defenses, a single attack stat with good weapons from up close and range, no drop in HP like with the sorc route and the ability to use damaging spells that I understand the usefulness of better than most illusions, charms and enchantments (the kinds of spells I just can't figure out good uses for). It may not be an optimal bard, but it's what I know how to play.