This is the first time I've played since they added hirelings and I just wanted to say, I really love the idea. Before, if you were just going to solo, you were forced to repeatedly grind low level quests. Or, even with a group, if you didn't have a healer, you couldn't do much. I just think it makes the game run a lot more smoothly. Today I was even in a group of five that pulled one out to help us get through an elite quest.
It'd be nice if we had something a little more permanent, though. It's kind of pain to have to buy a new one everytime I finish a quest. Or can you stock up on them? Either way, I rather just put down more money and buy something that lasts for an hour or so.