Hmm. Yeah, I think I see what you mean. There can actually be usable powers outside of combat. One think I hadn't considered is that there are four(ish?) characters + opportunity to hire someone else, and you often need only one character for an out-of-combat job, so you can cover much, much more.
When characters can spend 1/5 of their points/whatevers on a single job (compared to D&D, where you often spend it all, and use your ribbons for out-of-combat stuff), it's easier for characters to shine. In D&D combat, being an expert who can solve problems isn't as cool, because... everyone else …