Growing is one thing. Completely changing who you are is different. People rarely fundamentally change like that.
Example: Drizzt has changed over the years but he is still fundamentally the same person. Will Viconia, Jaheira, Minsc, et al have changed and brought new baggage with them? Sure. But, if Minsc because a power mad Bhaal worshipper... there better be some epic tier A++++ writing to back that up. Is he a little sad that many of his friends are dead and gone? Sure.
