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I don't know exactly how the game mechanics work, I never found a documentation.
In older games like MM2 with text display in combat you can read something like "Knight attacks monster 5 times, hits 3 times for 50 damage."
Its probably the similar in WoX, just the text display is omitted.
But there's something (which doesn't depend on the number of attacks) subtracted from the total damage you inflict afterwards, it might depend on AC or a hidden monster stat.
So if you would only hit for a total of 50 against a high AC monster, it will stay unharmed.
The more attacks you have, the more likely is that you'll manage to cause damage.

I'd consider replacing at least one cleric with a paladin in your new party so you can use any item in the game. You only need enough spell points to cast your buffs.
My post should mainly outline the half-casters can't replace pure warriors, not that half-casters can't replace full casters.

My party couldn't scratch the Gamma Gazers either when they first met one, that's mainly because you are not supposed to explore their area before you are very experienced.
You are still able to beat the game with your old party, it's just not that easy. A level 60 paladin gets the same number of attacks as a level 40 barbarian after all.