I'm in favor of companions just auto-making any jumps the leader can. However, if you're playing solo (or scouting with a single character), then you might be restricted by jump distances if your Strength is 8.
It's a good mix of realism, keeping Str somewhat important, and removing tedious aspects of the game. In a group, you can understand it as the companions helping the weaker members make jumps, by e.g., throwing them a rope.
