Buff all cantrips, I say. Why follow 3.5 to the letter? PotM should evolve to the medium it uses for its mechanics- not the source thereof, though it is a great place to start from.
I understand the complaint against c.minor wounds, but really its what makes that spell lovely. If its to be nerfed, why not a 1d6, or something like that? 1 hp is just, bad. Buff virtue, then. Make it stack. Form a cult, have them spam virtue on you and go storming through Castle Ravenloft. That'll teach em.