In D&D versions Original to 3.5, the ability to hit your opponent varies from class to class (i.e. Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, and Wizard). The classes in 5th edition all seem to have the same basic attack adjustments from proficiency at every level (not counting ability score adjustment, skill expertise or racial adjustments).
This seems to be a major departure from previous editions, so I'm not sure if I'm reading it right or missing something major.
Do all character classes really get the same attack adjustments? Is there something in the rules that I am missing? Unless a wizard specifically focuses on using a specific weapon, I would have assumed fighting classes would be inherently better at hitting their target. As far as spell targeting, that makes sense, but not for physical combat.
Just to be clear, I am in no way criticizing the rules. I am just trying to understand how it all fits together.
All classes have proficiency in several simple weapons (Dagger, Dart, Sling, Quarterstaff, and light crossbows). With these weapons, all classes have the same proficiency bonus. I am purposely not considering ability scores to compare against previous edition. In previous editions, even with proficiency, there was a difference in ability to hit between classes.
Is this understanding correct? Is there something else that accounts for the differences, like combat tables or class combat adjustments?
It just seems that there is no basic combat difference between classes, other than ability scores and specialty skills, and I find that surprising enough to think I'm missing something.