Interesting. So it sounds like Henchmen are more akin to tools than allies. They are most powerful when first obtained because they have only slightly less XP and Stats than the main characters, and though they can grow with you it is at half the rate so eventually you will dramatically overpower them, so maybe getting a new henchman every once in a while isn't a bad thing?
Also, besides henchmen, there should also be mercenaries and such who work for coin, right?

Oh, by the way, for that "Animal Companion" trait, what would be an example of an Uncommon and Exotic animal?For common I was assuming it was your standard wolves, bears, hawks, maybe a cat or something, but since we haven't really encountered any other animals yet (besides epic horses with haughty personalities) I can't really form an idea of what to expect.