I don't think they should create "permanent" companions. I mean they should not be the same, have the same names or the same looks or even the same attributes and skills in every game. While that does work and is a lot easier to do well (it's how it was done in Warband), it takes from the game's replayability since the companions will always be the same in every game. I like the way companions were implemented. A lot more things need to be done, however. The path they've chosen for Bannerlord in that regard is a lot harder, but has the potential to be so much better. The "random" companions should be given actual personalities and not just backstories. They need to react when you do things, like win (or lose) battles, raid villages or rather abandon armies that are about to etc. I'll never forget when Bagai the Fatherless told me not to raid villages again because "those people are just like my people". There were relationship bonuses and penalties according to my reaction to his statement and also for posterior actions. I've never seen any other reaction of this type from other companions, but it was enough to show me there's more planned for the game than meets the eye.