Lol that article sure ruffled some feathers (mine included) for a number of reasons. Larian obviously didn't expect people to find these companions so relatable.
I personally do find Gale annoying and only like him when he's not talking, but that's because he talks so much I just don't have the patience. His main purpose really isn't to irk the player though. It's to kill things with magic with great efficiency.
I've never romanced him. You really have to call him boring?
