Just wanted to get some thoughts on complex companion mods and get your feelings. What you love, what you dislike, what annoys you, where more attention should be paid. I'm mainly referring to mods like Aela, Vilja, and so on, as well as DLC followers like Serana with more complex behavior. All praise is significant, and no gripe is too small. You can keep it general and sweeping, or you can call out specifics of individual mods if you like.

Just trying to get some thoughts. All feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

Just to break the ice...

I really like it when companions seem to be reactive to the things going on around me. Serana does a pretty good job of this, I like how she mentions the weather and so on. Unfortunately this falls apart when she does something ridiculous, like waltzing up to the sharpening wheel on the Solitude execution stage, while an execution is in mid-process, and decides that now is the time to sharpen her dagger.

Repetitive Barking has to go. It only makes me want to stab my companions after hearing the same phrase over and over.

Some way to influence their attack style, perhaps even to the point of staying out of my "Cone of Destruction"

I would prefer companions to speak when spoken too, especially about their past and any quests they may have. Reason, I might be busy with something else at the time.