I'm sure I'm in the minority but I would currently choose Astarion, Lae'zel and Wyll and my MC will be a bard. However, I could swap out Lae'zel for Karlach or, depending on if Haslin is available or not, Haslin. Why Wyll? I realize that he's unpopular, but he has been very useful to me in my play throughs. First, he can cast Hex which makes my Bard's spells more effective, his eldrich blast is very effective and finally the ability of the Imp to turn and stay invisible and scout, attack a weakened foe (or as a distraction) is extremely useful. I would prefer someone else, but his skillset is really useful I've found. As to Astarion, he's usually my highest DPS party member considering everything. He can hide in shadows and take an advantageous attack position, can do scouting, opens every lock, disarms almost every trap and can use every scroll. I've played EA with this combination and have never had one of my party die and I've beaten every enemy in the game so far.
Do I love the personalities? No, I honestly don't. BUT, while I have played with all the characters so far, I honestly don't love any of them.
BTW, I loved Minsc in the first BG, depending on how his character plays, I might have to do without one of the three and have him in my party, he always cracked me up! I really hope that they don't force the game to only 3 characters to go into Act II, I do tend to swap out companions and it would be less fun to not have an extra body or two in camp to occasionally change the dynamic.
