AI could solve a lot, but in order to use AI they probably still need to buy the actors something to use their voices. I think that was partly where last years strike was about.
I also don’t know what the mindset of the voice actors is. Imagine just recording a few lines for a game once every few years. You might not really be connected to the role anymore, maybe you’re not really interested anymore in doing the part. Then again maybe they love doing it and are waiting by the phone for the next expansion, who knows.
I’m not a fan of using the kotor style. I love this game because of the dialogue, but I can understand that paying 16 actors, plus any relevant companions, plus any NPC actor for every story expansion is a lot of money.
So I hope that the funds for the actors is still there and the game doesn’t fully lose one of its most attractive traits.