I don't have as big a hate for the big publishers as some do. I tend to think there's a place for the big, eye-candy, games and even for dumb fun.
At the same time I also see the downside of what happens when a big publisher buys an indie and the most harmful thing is to rush deadlines for getting things done. Games come out half-baked and buggy because big publishers are pushing hard for a quicker release. I think Larian have already experienced this once with Divinity 2 and hence the "developers cut."
If they do sell themselves I'd prefer Paradox as they seem to allow their developers more time and leeway. However they are developing two new fantasy CRPG's right now (Runemaster and Pillars of Eternity) so from a business standpoint I don't see how grabbing Larian would benefit them or diversify their offerings. I think people can breathe out about EA. I don't see that either not with DA:I so close to being out and I've got a sneaking suspicion that that game will restore them a bit (just a gut suspicion and nothing more-i.e. turn out better than people suspect right now).
But if Larian do decide to go with a biggie I just hope for oursakes and theirs that they get one that will really nuture their projects and not just try to milk them (and us) for profits. I'd rather Larian stayed indie though. Seems they've got the cash to if they want.
