- Gale and Wyl are good in my opinion (which does not mean they are perfect or need to be always good). You can have good companions currently. Though your 4th will be more shady (Astarion is rather neutral I would say).
- Siding with the Absolute is not just evil, it is insane and stupid. As for Minthara, she is a drow who is betraying Lolth and her people (either willingly or just controlled by a tadpole). The Absolute is not a path of power, but a path of becoming a subservient fool/tool. A lot of us did it for fun, for laughs, for the early access. My Lolth-sworn Drow destroyed Minthara and all goblins without hesitation. Whether playing good or evil, I won't side with the Absolute except on an insane playthrough for fun. Still, yes, you can choose rather freely to side with anyone or not, which is a nice design !
