That is certainly the reason why I've been Bioware fangirl since BG2, and the reason I disliked BG1. I do indeed love that aspect of Bioware games. I just wish they can expand their focus a little further.
See, it's like this. PS:T has absolutely fantastic story. It wasn't enough for me to enjoy the game. IWD/D:OS has fun combat system. Also wasn't enough for me (IWD1 NPC mod fixed that problem for me, but still. I enjoy playing D:OS a lot, but I still haven't finished the game, because it lacks everything other than combat). Bioware games have colourful/interesting companions. It has been enough for me, because, this is the aspect I value the highest of all. But now that alone isn't enough to cut it for me it seems. Oh yeah, and Bioware being too dramatic isn't also helping (I do hate reality shows).