Yah, that's why I said"have Urka and the Gadgeteer as the 2 companions for example, or mix them with Kylira or Trudy." ;)
(so it's always only 2 companions)
In any case, none of the ones I've mentioned are "fightable" ('cept Urka, and it's a one time thing!).
The old werebitch was pretty cool indeed. Sort of a not-so-crazed version, which it's probably why it was changed. It makes sense, and the newer one looks better for the role, but it's a pity the old one is lost...