Having an extra NPC with an effective strength of 12 sounds nice at first, but don't forget to take into consideration the fact that your AC is dropped down to what you are wearing if you use it. No dodge bonus.
Yeah, it's probably one of those new perks they put in BOS, like a pack mule with the drawback that you become a two hex critter and can get stuck in tight places... no, not those tight places, the ones you don't want to get stuck in