The lack of shorter race companions has been a frequent complaint here. In fact I think the last discussion wasn't all that long ago so if anyone has a link do share it. I can't find it right now (I so wish these forums had better search functionality!)
Just in case we can't find previous discussions, I'm firmly in the camp that would have preferred one or more of gnomes, dwarves or halflings (ideally at least two). I'd find it very hard to give up any of the origin characters now that I've got to know them, but personally I'd swap any of the four non-origin companions for a bit more variety in race. Not that I wouldn't want those companion NPCs in the game. I'd even like it if they were temporary companions, and Minsc and Jaheira have exceeded my expectations. It's just that, if I had to choose, I'd choose to have some shorter race companions instead. I know there are many Halsin and Minthara fans here, though, who would take a very different view!
