I find it hard to believe that someone couldn't figure out how to make a balanced side kick system even in games with gear and open PvP. It's not like WoW's current open PvP system works either, for example. When that lvl 60 (or 70 now) stomps you…
Generally I would say CoV is more solo friendly as a whole but Scrappers from CoH are the best soloers. There are more players at any given time in CoH in general. Both are quite fun. Enjoy!