You know what more JRPGs should have?

[Severance]

Majin-Tenshinhan said:

Severance said:
you talk like you haven't played a JRPG since then, there are tons of JRPGs that have this, and some have even more optional characters than others.

I've played plenty, but like I said in my post I haven't really encountered one where this is true.

you should check out Star Ocean till the end of time.