Lae'zel - Considers herself superior to any non-gith(and lets you know it), already views you as a monster.
Shadowheart - used to following orders, namely her cults, and is in the process of doing so. Using us to help her reach Baldur's Gate is the best the game does to rationalize Tav being leader. It helps if you have Lae'zel along because Tav becomes a mediator between them
Astarion - was a literal slave, probably happy to kill anyone who wants to put him into a subordinate position again.
Wyll - Talks a big game, also the only character who will actually follow through and leave the party based on our choices.

I agree with you on Gale, but mostly because he has the least going on with his backstory. He needs magic items, might as well get in a group plundering tombs.
The problem isn't that they follow us, it's that they complain about our leadership, while not justifying following us. If you think you're going to turn into a Mind-Flayer, and think there's an clear avenue of action, why tolerate a party that goes from one dead end to another while ignoring your objections.

I know we've had this discussion before too Warlocke smile Just adding your own head canon isn't enough for me, without the game's acknowledgement it doesn't or didn't happen.

dumb, pseudo-intellectual and polite homophobe