I don't know if this has been suggested, I couldn't find it. But, I would be much more inclined not only to purchase the ultimate bundle of saltmarsh but of older content if the hirelings you got scaled to your level.

I often like to play alone when my friends aren't around, being social isn't my bag. However, not only are the old hirelings way underpowered for modern content, the new hirelings soon will be too as level 35 comes out. In addition, the rogue hireling for example will be cool at level 5 then just be useless for most levels. It makes me think it's not really worth paying for.