I hated it at first as well. I really had to explore a lot and level up before it got good. Unlocking more abilities as you level really helps, especially on the melee characters which get extra attacks per turn.
We abused Asto a lot as a sneak attack sniper and locksmith.
You can save mid-conversation if you're trying to get a particular outcome.
Yeah, getting full health back when going in and out of owlbear form is pretty OP, and it hits like a truck.