I would like to see the persimmon tree.

That's exactly what I mean. Larian knows how to create interesting characters and good stories, and all they had to do was create something of their own, instead of forcing Minsc and Jaheira into the game as companions who are completely unnecessary with the original cast.

Actually, based on my experience, Larian isn't very good at plot. They try to cram in as much as possible, constantly rework various moments, and in the end, it turns out to be something very strange, as if stitched together from disparate pieces. They also tend to overdo it with the "specialness" of the characters, which is especially noticeable with Gale. Just compare most of the companions from the old Baldur's Gate games with the new cast.

Well, if I start with Astarion, I'll most likely romance Karlach, and if I play as the Dark Urge, I'll most likely romance Gale. Because Will as an alternative is just...meh.

Besides Will, there's also Halsin, although he's also very much an acquired taste. But I agree that Will turned out to be completely uninteresting.