[Spoilers from EA/ hell panels] Didn't read every reply, but..
Not disappointed in the slightest. There's a fair amount for good and evil. And, I intend to make use of that Hirelings feature for every run. Because I kind of want to kill off or not recruit the origin followers.. Not because I don't like them, but, this allows for way more roleplay and replay value. I really, really don't want all the companions in my camp in any playthrough, let alone the first.
Chop off Gale's hand, and on your next playthrough you don't know *anything* about Gale's story yet. Kill/Excommunicate Astarion for trying to bite you and on my next run, Astarion feels brand new. Never recruit Wyl, and maybe next time pick his origin. Or kill either him or Karlach - have them both tag along in the next run. This way, you don't get to see everything from the get-go and you save some for later - but also the interactions between them, new combinations offer new things too.
Third reason is normalcy. I really like normalcy, but all of the Origin characters are rather special. I like special if it's uncommon, not if everyone in the party has a world-altering secret. Have some regular non-secretive people around that just do their job feels more natural to me. Having just a normal human fighter along that fights and shuts up tones it down a bit.
Fourth is focus: I remember Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2, or KotOR, or god forbid both Pathfinder games, where talking to everyone in the camp/castle/ship felt like a chore after a while. I much prefer to be invested in but a few for a playthrough; especially when multiple characters are flirty. But, if I *have* them in the camp, I am compelled to talk to them. It's just how I am. Much better to not have the option. The hireling way ensures the banter and relationships you build have more impact.
Fourth: I'll never play on easy mode, I dislike respeccing with a passion...Yet I want to pick my party for RP purposes. Having someone that augments that perfectly is nice. At the same time: I really want to play around with an optimized Half Orc Barbarian, but I don't like a dumb brute with no non-combat skills as my protagonist. Having one just for combat and dress-up is excellent. If I'm playing an evil Shadowheart / Astarion / Urge, I really want a custom, silent, creepy Necromancer along. And, every party needs a Dwarf. It's just the rules. If I'm not one, I'm renting one.
Lastly, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more companions to be found [They may even have said that? I don't remember], and if I am to guess - Viconia is one. IP wise, it makes all the sense that Jaheira and Minsc are there; but story wise Viconia is a much better fit. Also, if they include a legacy character for the Good runs, they probably did at least one the Evil runs. Two Druids on one end, two Drow on the other? I like it.
