Not playing the beta (I don't use Steam), but I watched:
Is that still the case in the current beta?
If so... It costs a minimum 5000cp to create a full party? Unless it rains coins in Dyrwood, that seems damn expensive. You could rest 25 times in the most expensive room in the inn for that amount.
How about an option to say:
"I'm looking for an old friend."
to which the innkeeper could respond:
"Tell me 'bout this friend of yours and I'll tell ya if they've been around..."
Is that too much to ask?
Pacing is not an excuse: The number of companions could be limited by level if pacing absolutely required some kind of limitation (which I doubt).
Nor is ignorance of player desire to roleplay a group of adventurers rather than hire mercenaries an excuse:
http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/61516-the-adventurers-hall-should-not-be-a-money-sink/
Nor is "realism" an excuse:
Maybe a rogue wants to join me because I offer them a suit of Shiny Chainmail of Awesomeness. Or because I'm a famed adventurer. Or maybe I'm just charming as hell. Who knows? Why enforce some arbitrary fee?
What good reason is there to screw players that want to build a custom party?