If you’re keen to give Gale the boot, and don’t have an actual shoe to share in your inventory, selecting “I’m not giving you anything. Not now, not ever”, will still cause Gale to leave your party, permanently!
I misread this at first. Was confused. You meant the proverbial boot, not the literal boot. I see, I get it.
*
For what it's worth, I do think some folks are overreacting, especially in regards to mod-related bugs. The sky isn't always falling. Larian can be working on some of the things you want while at the same time tweaking Gale's behavior, and the post updating the reason for that tweak is understandable.
I guess what I'm saying is can we please take a moment. Or yell louder. That's fine, too.
I second this and do you all one better about consequences.
I mean, people are screaming for consequences here, but i think consequneces are a two way thing. Not just negative consequences, but also positive ones should be a thing. I never had the problem that i couldn't give Gale an item - unitl Hotfix 16 came. Llatest once he starts his "I've grown to trust you" talk, i know by now he will need 3 items anytime soon once i head out again with ot without him, so i always kept two or three in store with me for him. A bit of thinking ahead and all was fine.
But for those new to the game i understand it can be still confusing if they just don't know yet. So i understand that tweak and making Gale a bit more understanding if he sees you doing efforts, trying to help at least. And that is consequence, too. You get rewarded with a bit more patient Gale if you act like "Hold on a minute. I'll get you something from the camp chest!".
About Lae'zel, by all means...please do -not- change her back. I was one of those who always felt uncomfortable when she started to bitch at me, even if i had high approval. In my eyes, it just makes sense for her as well as Gale, that they're a bit more friendly or respectful if they agree with you.
There is way worse things right now, as i read the post basically Larian admitting, that this is NOT a mod issue, there is a problem with the UI on Larin's side. Also i read very different statements from many players with the same hotfix 16/17, no matter if with or without mods. Sure i find it frustrating, too, that each time, improvements are announced, something else breaks. But given the fact, you can't progress the story of Karlach, Shadowheart and Gale if you're unlucky, there's 3 more companions you can't romance either and you won't get the end of the romance at least. Not to forget Astarion, if you face bugs with Cazador's door and can'z kill Cazador, you only get the worst ending of the story ever. Same as Minthara? In any case i understand if Larian is making that a priority. I hope they all get fixed in one go even, in the next Hotfix or patch.
If someone like me says that, it means something, still i'm nornally not afraid to say what i think. Might not always make me popular, but better than being a fake. If Larian only ever always gets told how great they are, instead of telling them what's wrong, they cannot know what needs to be fixed. In that sense, if you see a bug, report the hell out of it, even if it doesen't get fixed immediately. Keep reminding and reporting. Don't give up.
And yes Larian, more communication in general doesn't hurt. Inform players and explain why you do something. Post more statements, give replies to the bug tickets we send. At least an Auto reply, so we know if someone read it at least. That way you can prevent more complaints if we players know what's up.