I frankly don't see what's the big issue with Faldio's change. I always felt that there was some sort of missing dynamic between the 3 of Welkin, Faldio and Alicia being that the trio are the central figures as far as the strictly story-based developments go. Perhaps it's unnecessary indeed, but it could add some extra bits of drama.
Btw, more Kriesara scenes kthxbai.