I would also prefer it if certain characters left the party and re-appeared later, either as friends or enemies, with only a chance of death at the end of act x.
Exactly!!!
Just imagine you decide to Follow Shadowheart in her quest, and by end you once again meet Lae'zel leading group of Gith, who will be on quest to reaquire the weapon?
I say it would be epic. :3
Sadly that is the only pair i can think about.
