I chose Karlach. But it's funny that Astarion and Minthara are both the most loved and most hated characters in the community
You choose Karlach....as the companion who won't make it (since that is the original topic of this thread)? Or Karlach for a romance?
As for Astarion and Minthara, I guess if you don't find anyone who's nice and interesting to do the bear thing with (:P), you'll find someone not so nice and interesting. These two appear as primary targets for romance hunters. And I have to admit, if I were into that, I'd find the situation unsatisfactory amd turn to the not-so-nice.