I couldn't disagree more. I really like the extended companion stories. They make the companions more real.
And single use.
Even if you take them on another path on a second playthrough, it's still the same character with the same story. You grow tired of seeing the same faces every time. In a party based game, I would prefer the possibility of playing an entirely different party. You can't do that with just 6 companions. The same faces will haunt you every single time.
If you don't like Astarion, you won't even have something as basic as a Rogue in your party. 6 simply isn't enough. Don't get me started on the 4 "extra companions", two of which are Druids.
