RPG Maker Forums

What are your thoughts on games that have a large cast of playable characters?
I actually have a LOT of questions that I'd like to ask regarding this topic. I'm not looking for any definitive answers, just opinions.



1. How many characters is too many?
2. How Often should a New Party Member be added? 
3a. Should all the party members should travel together in a large group and To change your active party members you just have to edit the formation? Or..
3b. Should the party members travel in a small group and to change your active party members you'd have to go to the World Map or a Save Point? (Like FFVII or FFVIII) Or..
3c. Should the party members travel in a small group and to change your active party members you'd have to go to your Airship / Base of Operations? (Like FFVI)
4a. Gameplay wise, How different should the characters be from one another? Should they all be able to learn the same Spells & Skills, should they have their own personal skills, Or should they have a mixture of both? 
4b. Similar to 4a, Should select characters have specific jobs? Like Should everyone be able to use healing spells or should a select few have healing spells?
4c. How should skills be taught? Should the characters learn them naturally by leveling up or should they learn them through AP?
5a. Should all characters be relevant to the story?
5b. Should There be Optional Characters?
5c. Should There be certain characters that are only obtainable during certain chapters of a game?
5d. Should There be a limit on how many total characters can join the group?