In Part 1 the Byakugan was the ultimate eye for Intel and taijutsu.Part 1 Hinata abilities would've been at the very least more useful in a combative setting (in Part 1) but that's where it ends. Part 1 Naruto benefited from Sakura’s intellectual attributes & Sasukes (something Hinata didn't/doesn't have); they were a perfect balance ability wise.
think of all the situations Naruto and Sasuke could've avoided or overcome easier if they had Gentle fist and 360 vision
It wasn't until part 2 that the byakugan began to phase out as then all the crazy KKGs and abilities started coming in.