Well there's something to be said for stereotyping too. Because without your stock standard-variety types, the Companions who break the mold don't have a point of contrast to make them seem more compelling by comparison.
Stereotyping with a twist is generally more fun, and more BG. Good tiefling/drow, evil aasimar, orc scholar, the paladins a jerk but the rogue is righteous etc type of thing. Yeah it's basically the expected thing now but it's still establishes that mould, without nessicarily breaking it just, bending it little.
Some more normal companions would be great, but normal should still leave room for the creative/unexpected.
Minthara is the best character and she NEEDS to be recruitable if you side with the grove! Also- I support the important thread in the suggestions: Let everyone in the Party Speak
