If you want raw damage, yes, Fire Bolt does the most of the core Wizard cantrips. For low-level, that's fine. As you gain levels and start fighting harder monsters, Fire resistance will likely comes into play, so in the long run there's a trade-off. You are also require to make an attack roll, while other spells force enemies to save (which are often at lower target numbers).

As a general design rule, lower-damage spells are of an uncommon energy type and/or have additional effects. Some folks like those additional effects - Shocking Grasp gives you Advantage when you attack someone in metal armor; Acid Splash can hit two adjacent opponents.

The usefulness of Mage Hand or Prestidigitation can never be overlooked. Even Light, if you're the only caster on the team... while Darkvision allows you to 'see' by changing Darkness to Dim Light, you still make attacks at Disadvantage in Dim Light, and Humans and Halflings can't see at all without a light source.

It's all about taste with Wizards... and with a free cantrip, well... Elf it up.