Thanks man I appreciate that! This is my first BG game but I've played a lot of X-Com so found the combat quite easy, I haven't had a team wipe at all although I came close in Act 1!
Appreciate your advice on a second play through. I had not considered either of those. Perhaps for a third or fourth playthrough...!
It's a shame Dragon's Dogma 2 and the Elden Ring DLC are coming out soon, I'm not sure how to use my precious gaming time!
I have to say though that I think BG3 is a better game than Elden Ring was. It reminds me a lot of Dragon Age 1 actually in terms of the party management
I'm a woman, but you're welcome.

Don't worry, I'm not offended xD I've played enough games and have been called "bro" more times than I can count 8'D
Dark Urge feels like the true character for me. When you play a good Tav, it's your own character and it feels like a given, but when you're a redeeming Dark Urge it really feels like you had to earn every good deed. For me, some of the best scenes in the game are with Dark Urge. Not going to spoil anything, but a definite recommend.
I'm also looking forward to the Elden Ring DLC, but I've never played a Souls-Borne before. I have the compulsion to try and finish everything I start. I don't mind challenges and "Git Gud," but I don't know how many times I can tolerate dying and staring at a loading screen xD I mean, people call it "SUFFER-RING" for a reason 8'D