I HATE the idea of companions that aren't with you, getting killed off at some predetermined point.
I wonder why people so hard stick to this idea ... It was never told it is suppose to happen, its just comunity-made speculation ... and i believe that people around here (and DoS part of the forum aswell) expressed themself clearly enough, so Larian have to know that this is not cool way.
It was a major thing in DOS2 and I think I remember reading something about how at some point "We must commit to our party members." We focus on that to make it very clear Larian knows our opinion and so it doesn't become an issue, if it does I and others likely will get super vocal.
Edit, literally in the FAQ:
Quote
Is your party permanent or can you change members out throughout the adventure? Recruited companions will be at camp when not in the adventuring party, and can be swapped in and out at camp. After the first act however you are going to have to commit, also just like in real life.
And we have gotten no confirmation Larian will change their mind.
