I seem to remember Jan Jansen being a very popular party member, back in the day, and I do not remember anyone expressing any dislike of Mazzy either. Korgan with the axes was a bit of a theme for evil parties too, as I recall.
And let's be honest, it would have been all kinds of badass to have a full short party and absolutely go to town on all those big people ankles just waiting to get shredded. That said, this topic just gave me a thought that might even at one point evolve into an actual idea. Mages tend to be squishy and dislike having melee types right next to them, but the problem is getting there. Gnomes are quite easy to toss around. Karlach looks like she's big enough to deliver quite a toss. Deep gnome warrior with air delivery? I'm thinking thief 3 / doomstalker, but monk or even vengance paladin might also work.
