I was under the impression that Minsc taking over the conversation was simply because Minsc was there, just like the other times when having a certain member in your party would cause a different dialouge. I never noticed you couldn't start that quest without Minsc.
Then again, I (almost) never play without him
I'm glad you've corrected me on this.
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The last arrow of Legolas kindled in the air as it flew,
and plunged burning into the heart of a great wolf-chieftain.
All the others fled. -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
