So, I recently helped on a Steps of Faith run where I tried something new for once, and focused on keeping the NPC helpers alive. In a way, this helped, as our helpers piled up over time and really contributed to the DPS... and then the horde dragon appeared and one-shot the whole group.

I'd like it if using NPC allies in fights like this was more feasible. Mostly, I just want the following two adjustments to fights with NPCs:

1: Give them sufficient HP and defense that a single attack won't kill them. There's really no way the player can prevent these kinds of deaths.

2: Allow AoE healing and buffs to affect NPCs. Being able to Medica II or Cure III NPCs would do wonders for keeping them upright.

I feel these changes would help make fights involving NPC allies into ones where healers can indirectly contribute to damage via healing ALL their allies.