they're following that nintendo "it has to have a gimmick the whole game is based around" ideology to a complete fault. They definitely should just go back to the original battle system and find a way to innovate on that instead of reinventing the wheel every time.

Also I definitely agree with you about the partners. The only good thing I can say is that since they're more woven into the narrative they were able to give them a bit more of a role, dialogue, and stake in what was going on where in the previous games they usually only have a couple quips here or there. But its definitely reaching. I'd prefer theyd bring back a full team with unique abilities and stuff