I agree with both your sentiments but especially with the companion equipment aspect. It's always a bummer when a game gives companions cool, unique starting armour that you have to replace because it's quickly overshadowed by new stuff. I like what Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire did in that regard, the game had a system where unique equipment could be upgraded, so your companions could keep their signature looks and get them upgraded continually as the game progressed so they could be viable later in the game.
