I have now played the EA over 20+ hours and I noticed a problem with the NPCs that I noticed in DOS 2 too. When you are in a conversation with an NPC it is possible to switch between the other characters and attack the enemy character several times before the fight starts. I would like to know if it has been known for a long time, but the devs can not/want not change it.

that a game design issue with the engine itself and will not be fixed

That would be due to the multiplayer aspect of the game, I would imagine.... I don't use it, the game is easy enough (especially once meta gaming kicks in). I just want my "Bard" Larian: wink nod, please.