that a paladin or [even moreso] a CG individual would place their party in the hands of demon judges without any "assurances" . . . or protests, is a tad weak.
what i was envisioning: first, party goes down the stairs/tunnel. second, demon says "choose: the life of your companion, or your continued optimum physical health/prowess". third, charname is incensed, challenges the demon for its presumption and [or merely] attacks. or has a "no fair!" tantrum and attacks. or something. even a rage borne of pure indecision.
i'm not saying that attacking the demon should prevent it from separating/imprisoning/devouring/etc. the NPC. but i certainly don't think a 'hotheaded' option is unwarranted (it seems particular to this test, as the others (i'm only remembering four others off the bat, are there six total?) already have one essentially hostile choice each. one can surely be under a great deal of stress having been [presumably unwittingly] dragged to the abyss and expected to play ball with incarnations of evil, no matter what one's alignment is.
plus which, one shouldn't be forced to accept [however absolutely true it might be] that higher powers are in control and one can't buck the system. without at least this (or some other) 'opportunity' to defy the trial process. not being able to open the gate is one thing. going along with trials adjudicated by demons is rather another, methinx.
Nice trick if you can do it.
perhaps a very very quick, clever and potent assault could save the companion (and charname's stats), but yield a tear that gave no bonuses.