Striky

I would welcome it - it worked in Fallout 2, and NPCs did react somewhat to the events, at least in New Reno and VC, if I remember correctly. Plus, I got my character to level 94 or so just wandering the wasteland. However, if the story is something like Torment, then it wouldn't really make sense. I trust the devs will consider pros and cons and just do what will work.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind some kind of romance, either. Doesn't have to lead all the way to marriage, but something subtle (Annah from P:T or Visas from KotOR II) would be nice.