I would agree with your second comment but old school RPG's always had party members that obeyed without question (Usually never explaing why :P). I think it would be a good kick back to have controlable party members to this degree.
That and if you don't enjoy giving them orders, you can...
Ravager: People are being a lot nicer than I thought they would have been based off your comment.
Ravager69: Honestly, I wouldn't complain if shooting outside of VATS was blocked. So long as the camera time was reduce significantly (nudges Dubby). That thing can be a pain in the ass...