Take this guy for example: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Unmid_Snow-Shod

he doesnt play a role in any quest, not even the civil war quest, but he's essential?
Need a few more confirmations before i turn him unessential with the console

bump

I agree. It really svcks. I wish Bethesda had learned a thing or two from Fallout:New Vegas.

Tekla is a good example of an essential NPC not needing to be essential but for the most part we need essential NPC's at least until they have finished the quest that they are involved with. The biggest problem is a lack of essential status being known in conversation unlike Oblivion where you have the Crown icon pop up on the NPC indicating that they were essential.

I partially agree although New Vegas's most important NPC's were nowhere near combat areas. With Dragons sometimes randomly spawning in cities you need some of the Important NPC's essential at least until they have finished their business. I don't think Beth has figured out the latter part.

The only reason I can see that he's essential is because he's her housecarl.

Yea, but who cares, its not like he's giving any quests or anything, the jarl can clean her own darn floor.
Anyway, i've had enough of the essential crap; any NPC not involved in quests shall have their elite status removed