I too wish that we could have companions that feels appropriate as *companions.* Like Alfira.
However, Wormerine is right - as far as I can tell. Larian seem really dedicated to having all party members as playable characters (which includes the companion options as they are A) playable for multiplayer B) origin characters ). I am not a huge fan of this origin design, but I am not sure that stepping from this philosophy now would give us a positive experience with "companion companions" now, as the game has been developed for origin companions up to this point.
I just hope that in the end we get really well-written companions with loads of possible outcomes for their personal development / story. If Larian are gonna stick to having few of them (like in DoS2), but manage to keep their promises regarding the depths of the characters then I'll probably be alright either way. I mean - Pathfinder could do a range of companion-changes (voice lines, general mood, endings etc) depending on the outcome with much less dedication to the companions story (as they were not playable characters with a PC story, after all), so I am hesitantly hoping some really amazing possibilities regarding the group chemistry, companion stories, general quest outcomes and companion interactions...
Basically, I just want Larian to focus MORE on companions than they did in DoS:2. I loved the bits where our companions had a chance to take the lead (if we allowed them to), and I very, very, very, very much hope that Larian will do more of that in BG3. Unfortunately, I have not seen anything in that direction yet - which has me slightly worried and kinda sad too. :< But this is only a EA that is even based upon an old build if I remember correctly, so I am trying to keep my hopes up.
While on the topic, I am trying really hard to not judge our companions too harshly based on act 1 alone (although I am nowhere near as displeased as many others on these forums are). I remember straight off killing Sebille the first time I met her as I do not respond well to being threatened - but she turned out to be my second favorite of all, in the end (after my second play-through). c:
