I like to use NPC's for party skills, and I strongly disagree with the -1. You still have to make some tough choices, but it is impossible to put all skills on your main hero, and that means accepting the "lesser" heroes skills, which are probably smaller than they could have been if they were on your main hero.
I can only say, that if NPC's can die in Last Days, then I won't be downloading it. That is an awful idea, unless they somehow spawn? All their eq would be lost too if they die I presume? Since NPC's sometimes act in spectacularly stupid ways, it would be wrong to let them die. I certainly wouldn't allow them any missile weapons... And the only possible order would be "Hold Position" while I solo the enemy.
I play Fisheyes expanded NPC mod and enjoy the variety, but all my NPC's have been knocked out several times, especially in the early levels.