I think I'll just start my own thread so we don't derail this one with the comments about Shortie Cazador :P
I forgot to shout out Jaheira earlier: I don't think she has that much of a storyline here, but nevertheless, I think the new angle on her characterisation (being older, her family etc) was interesting and very well executed.
SHe has quite a lot going on in act 3 - and do take her to House of Grief and the Bhaal tribunal, best together with Minsc. They have some fun liens of old auqqaintances.