Yeah I wouldn't bother with most of that last list anyway, except maybe Kieran because he's a boss in PoR and his supports are THE best.
I'm thinking a good list for now being Ike, Boyd, Oscar, Soren, Illyana, Marcia, Zihark (or Mia, maybe both), Jill, and Nephenee for now.
Also I forgot how easy it is to gain levels on Easy, I'm on chapter 7 and Ike is already level 15, jesus.