I personally think it's nice to see a couple returning characters in a sequel, so long as there are still plenty of new ones, and it doesn't strain credulity that the character is back. Like in DA:I, I was happy to have Varric back and it made sense that he would return, but I'd definitely be bummed if he was a significant factor in DA:D. It can be nice to have some anchors of familiarity amidst all the newness, it can help with maintaining a sense of continuity within a series. A sprinkle of the old helps to emphasize the new. But only if it's a sprinkle, otherwise the old starts becoming a crutch.
