In terms of rating the characters, I wouldn't put any of them at less than an eight. They all have an amazing back history and their own ideas, thoughts, morals and attitudes towards the world. None of these guys have yet been equalled in any other game, let alone surpassed.
In terms of complexity, originality and careful attention to party balance no other set of characters have ever come close.
Anyone describing Grace as only being worth having for her looks clearly never realised you can talk with the other members of your party - or bothered to equip her with Call Lightning, which is one of the best direct damage spells in the game.
Similarly, Morte has many uses beyond 'comic sidekick'. Use his taunt ability on any of the major villains and tell me I'm wrong <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Great way to stop them throwing spells <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
