Our party TPK'd at 8th level running Storm Lord's Wrath, and we have decided to start the campaign again at 7th level with new characters.

My now-dead character was Barb 5 / Rogue 3 and I've decided to switch it up by playing a Warlock/Bard in the new playthrough.

The party has newer players that are less familiar with RPing and utility so I want to fill the role of the party's face whilst bringing utility and not being terrible in combat. I also want to reach a 3rd level in Warlock for Pact of the Chain so I can act as the party's scout as well.

We're each being given an additional feat, so my question is what would be the optimal feats to take for a Hexblade 3 / Swords Bard X that wants to be reasonably proficient in combat? I was thinking of playing either VHuman for 2 feats and taking an ASI at Bard 4 but missing out on Darkvision, or going Half-Elf and taking a 2nd feat at Bard 4. Standard point buy for attributes.

My current thoughts:

Warcaster Elven Accuracy. Can get to 18 CHA Triple Advantage on attacks. Play with a shortsword and shield. Eldritch Blast Agonising Blast from range. Mask of Many Faces. No issues will spellcasting.

PAM Elven Accuracy. Can get to 18 CHA Triple Advantage on attacks. Play with a QS shield. Eldritch Blast Agonising Blast from range. Mask of Many Faces. No Warlock spellcasting focus.

Warcaster PAM. Max 17 CHA until Bard 8. Play with a QS shield. Eldritch Blast Agonising Blast from range. PAM Eldritch Blast Repelling Blast against enemies entering melee range. No issues with spellcasting. (Note: DM is happy to allow spell casts upon PAM-triggered AoO).

Any thoughts on what would be best, or any other suggestions welcome.

Edit: Additionally, I have also thought about going Crossbow Expert Sharpshooter instead and focusing on ranged. In this case I would maybe drop Agonising Blast for Devil's Sight and go VHuman, taking ASI at Bard 4.