It's been enough pages that I feel the need to re-mention my preferred solution: Split XP.
Larian balances BG3 for a party size of 4, allows for an increased party size, and the XP each character gets from encounters depends on party size. Larger party? Each party member levels up more slowly, auto-balancing the game (at least partly). Similarly, party sizes of 1, 2, and 3 will level up faster.
Importantly, the toggle to allow for a 6-person party should be located in Game Settings and come with a warning: "BG3's intended experience is for a party of 4!" If there's 2 extra party slots by default, then people (myself) will feel obligated to play with a party of 6.
Too simple, logical and obvious. It will never fly with Larian.
