I always let Kaiden die on previous play throughs because he wasn’t interesting and Ashley is a babe but after let Kaidan live he’s pretty good in ME3 and I like his interactions with other squadmates, he a really cool guy, shame most people don’t see it due to them letting him die.

If Kaidan’s personality were a flavor, it would be unseasoned chicken breast. Ash is somewhat of a space racist, but at least she’s a little more interesting.

You don’t need Kaidan for his skills. Sure, he’s not terrible in combat in three, but who cares. Make the decision on who you want around more. And I want the one who I think has a better arc and less bland personality. She’s shitty in the first game, but grows. Kaidan is just a boring good boy who stays a boring good boy. By far the blandest companion in the series.

I actually like them both, but a little more Kaidan than Ash.

Kaidan has as much personality and character growth as Ashley. It's just quite subtle for both of them. Both relax their initial defensive tension and mellow over the course of the trilogy. Kaidan becomes much less uptight and reserved, while Ashley (apparently) loses her alien suspicions and Granddad anxiety. Granted, neither of these arcs seem as dramatic as some others, such as Liara or Garrus. It's just part of what makes all the ME characters unique and intriguing. Different strokes for different folks.

Kaidan’s actually a really cool guy - I also die hard romance him with BroShep so yeah.

Usually only keep ash around if I’m gonna romance her, otherwise she annoys me

Kaidan's a better overall character, but Ash has a MUCH better arc.

Controversial opinion but I always romance Ashley lol

Ash being racist doesn't make her a worse character than Kaidan. Because that way, she has development. She becomes less racist during the trilogy.