It makes a bit more sense than in certain other games, the tadpoles probably allow for everyone to spy on each other. A reason I can see for them to keep this current system is that by removing it, people would switch out companions to take only those who would approve of whatever they are about to do and not allow it to develop naturally. Making choices should absolutely make you miss out on things, how it is now you may piss off someone enough to leave the party if their approval is too low. Can't please everyone, replaying would allow you to make different decisions and cause different companions to leave the next time.
That makes sense. It only felt a bit artificial, reminding me that conversations are prerecorded lines and not a spontaneous communication between living beings.
