Its time for me to retire Varric Tethras (DR: Inquisition Spoilers)

[S.T.A.G.E.]

Hiku said:

I don't really notice if my party members are doing well or not, except for Cassandra, because I don't use the tactical system or switch to them. I just let them do their own thing while I do mine.
I think I'm playing on Normal, or whatever is above Easy.

I'm a Mage and about to chose my specialization. I hear Knight Enchanter is super broken, and Rift Mage might suit my style better, so I'm not sure what to pick yet.

Anyway, I always bring Varric with me for his conversations. He's a lot more interesting than Sera, so I'd pick Varric over her even if he's dragging down my team.
One thing I learned from Pokemon. "Use the pokemons you like, not the ones who are the strongest."

I also use Cassandra and Dorian for the same reasons. Although Cassandra is noticeably good.

You being a ranged character makes sense as to why you dont really need to strategize. Mages and archers are definitely needed to be focused into key points with their weapons. Rogues only need flank and surprise their opponent to survive but in this game its better to program those decisions into the character to get the best result because they leave the close quarters rogue customization up to you. The archer style rogue comes stock with distance attacks since all of the stock rogue characters who company you are distance attackers. I get what you're saying, though. The thing about most of the conversations that count in this game is either everything so far is said in haven that matters or its said in the warroom. Everyone says I need to get to skyhold, so i'll just try to do that before I decide whether Varric is useless. I still talk to him though. 

Thanks.

:)