I also think the small amount of companions is a much bigger problem than 4 vs. 6 party members. I would very much prefer twice the potential companions with half the content. It also adds a great deal of replayability when you can have different party compositions. It feels like in BG3 I will always be stuck with the same companions even after we get 3 more. You should have a choice for an Arcane spellcaster, a Cleric or a Rogue. Having to take Gale and Shadowheart on every single playthrough likely means there will be no new playthrough.
They should have a bigger focus on Tav as the protagonist, and less focus on companions. It's like they want to do an interactive movie with their selected cast rather than a game. Writing every companion to be a potential protagonist is a huge waste of time, and because it severely limits the number of companions it kills off choice and replayability in a game. I've grown really tired of the companions in just EA, too. Will be a struggle to give them another chance at full release.
