I know the premise, il would be crazy expensive and grindy as hell. But my question is: a companion equipped with the best armor I can find should be tougher then an high rank soldier, more resistant to damage. So if you multiply that for a party of 50 companions, you should have a very strong party. Could it work? In the single player game it is a viable option (with mod to have infinite companions). I know the perks are not stackable, I am just talking about the fisical presence of multiple customizable soldiers. I don't know if they armor get battered by the way, or stay intact.