Paying your kids and spouse and a few randoms well above the soldier wage makes zero sense and makes it foolish to even recruit companions if they can't serve a purpose.
Instead, there should be a wage (and relation) bonus for sending companions on quests and/or assigning them roles in the party or even leading their own party. Otherwise it's financially unwise to hire companions until you need caravan or party leaders or party roles filled.
Instead, there should be a wage (and relation) bonus for sending companions on quests and/or assigning them roles in the party or even leading their own party. Otherwise it's financially unwise to hire companions until you need caravan or party leaders or party roles filled.