If you are relying on some internet poster for facts and a media outlet with an axe to grind to make these sort of blanket judgements then I feel sorry for you.

Great tips. I’m a few levels into the game and thinking about restarting since my group is struggling. The pet speak ability is nice. I was getting owned by some enemies and then I randomly had clicked on my pet speak character and he understood what they were saying and was able to talk our way out of having a fight…