I'm also gonna jump in on this request - Please don't make us pick a particular group of companions to drag through the remainder of our adventure. Leave the option open to change up our party, let them hang out in the camp.
Yes, there's the argument of increased replayability by cutting out a chunk of content in the form of companions, but it... just isn't *fun*.
Likewise it can be punishing if you happen to make a less optimal choice. Already due to party size limitations it feels like I'm forced to use a particular line-up, I'd hate for the option of further experimentation to be taken away.
