I have read several threads on Companions and figured a central thread to "Improve" companions would help. I would ask that those that think the best thing for companions is to be rid of them create a thread of their own as that would not be in keeping with the idea of this thread. I would also point out that not all ideas need to have rewards (Rapport or other benefits)
1) Mirri asks if you are going to share an alcoholic drink with her when you create one (provisioning) why can't we do just that and give her a drink... not that I want to get her drunk or anything, but she is my companion and why would I not want to share with her...
2) Both make comments about the local inn's why not allow us to get them a meal at an inn (small cost of gold}...
3) Giving Companions Food (be careful with Bastion and Cheese) I eat or drink on a regular basis, and eating in front of my companion is just rude, why can't I share some food with them? I don't expect the companions to benefit from the food, but giving them a snack seems only appropriate when I am stuffing my face while they stand by watching.
4) Forced errors... Mirri has an issue when I grab a bug, even if I let it go, most of the time when I am opening a container of some type and a glow bug flies in the way... I can see Mirri getting bugged if I keep it, but if I let it go she is still miffed, let me release it before it costs me that point of rapport... then again, that is the same hand I want to offer her food and drink with...
5} Can I get some recognition from Mirri if I dress her in "Buoyant Armiger Style"? Granted, it is not that attractive on her, but she keeps saying how she should have joined the Buoyant Armigers, perhaps her taste goes that way... I mean she puts up with me, so her taste is questionable...
6) As I think about it, our companions react to our actions, perhaps they could react to "Eat Something" when I eat, perhaps like Nagaddu, the merchant in Elden Root who has been eating bread for years but seems to not have gained any weight, unlike me.
7) If I can give Mirri drinks, can I get her to "DanceDrunk" or gain the "Drunk Personality" for a while?
8) If I am playing an instrument or dancing, why can't my companion play along, clap, tap their feet, or even dance along... or perhaps point and laugh (DanceImperial)...
Of all the things I have lost, I miss my mind the most...