Yes. I gave it to Cole. It had nothing to do with the rest of the party taking a dirt nap. That's my story and I'm sticking to it lol.
How did you fare against it?
Surprisingly good, actually. Must've been the fact I had five people on lvl9 facing that bosh'tet.
Alexia, I have one playthrough. I'm 115 hours in and just finished Halamshiral. You're not slow. 
I'm thinking that won't be too far from the truth for my Nightmare, either...
Levellingggggg...
well, he doesn't really have to die. I chose the option with the little golden crown, and he turns into some sort of servant (don't really remember). and sera still approves.
"You work for me now. You either accept, or pick up this shovel to dig your own shallow grave."
He is pretty dreamy, it makes sense for the ball to be fawning over him. Must be the blonde curls.
Yeah. I never really cared for him one bit, but now that he's on the team... Poor guy, man.
Aneth'ara, harellan!