I too had that choice when I started ToB. My party at the end of SoA:
Me (kensai)
Minsc
Keldorn
Imoen
Jaheira
Aerie
Afetr much consideration, I dumped Minsc and took Sarevok. My rationale was that I didn't really need a ranger and although Sarevok was loewr in levels than Minsc, imho he made a better fighter (5*s in halberd (eventually ) and Ravager +6 and he rocked).
