I have tried really hard to like the new companion thing but nope, it still sucks. They only screws up my game. I'm done. Removing it altogether if companions are not made optional rather than forced to use.
If the forced use of companions stays, I'm gone. Rarely used them before because they are unpredictable and just screw up the next planned move. Now, rather than a relaxing mindless game it just pisses me off.
Hate it. As far as I can tell I am forced to use one. I rarely used them anyway. If I did try it they usually just screwed up my planned move by replacing a crop where I didn't need it/want. If you are dead set going down this path, it needs to remain optional.