If the rumours that we will get to at least 12 level are correct, that still gives you significant freedom to respec the said characters.
For most classes, getting to level 12 allows for 3 ASIs. And considering that most of the game will be spent below level 12 it's really only a measly 4 ability points, which I wouldn't categorize as "signifcant freedom to respec."
Take Shadowheart: 12 14 14 10 16 10
If we wanted to make her a strength cleric, at level 4 we can bring Str to 14 and at level 8 we can bring Str to 16. Okay, now she has the equivalent strength of a typical level 1 str-fighter AND her wisdom is still at 16, meaning her spell attacks and DCs won't keep up with enemy AC and Saves. In addition, this assumes that you don't take any feats - no War Caster or Heavily Armored.
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Potentially the game could allow a moderate level of initial respec'ing, with certain minimums to stats that are integral to the NPC's personality/class/history?
Again, take SH - she could start with 10 10 12 10 14 10 (or maybe even a minimum intelligence of 8), giving you the remaining points to allocate. So you could build her as any of the following:
16 10 14 10 14 10 (Str-Con Cleric with lower Wis)
14 10 14 10 16 11 (Str-Wis Cleric with emphasized Con)
15 12 12 10 16 10 (Str-Wis Cleric with balanced Dex/Con)
12 14 14 10 16 10 (SH Default)
10 16 13 10 16 10 (all-in on the Dex-Wis Cleric)
10 16 14 10 14 12 (Dex Cleric with balanced Con/Wis and somewhat charismatic)
But you wouldn't be able to make her incredibly weak or give her very low Wis. Similarly, Gale could have a min Int of 14 and Str of 8, and Lae'zel a min Str of 14 and Cha of 8. Customization, but inability to choose ability scores that completely contradict the character.
