Well, I hate to bring in WoW on these forums, but both WoW and SWG had mounts/pets that you could use as personal: Repair NPC, Bazaar NPC (Retainer for XIV), provide small healing regen when out, a small amount of extra inventory.

It doesn't have to all be about combat buffs, these pets can provide other means non-combat oriented.

Personally I like the idea of a mobile retainer! It's a small amount of Inventory and allow you to make some money on the side! As a crafter you could make food, potions, and ammo. Or various consumable items and party members could buy the items from it in small amount of downtime between mobs!