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Three reasons to not do this.1) As a first-time GM, running a large encounter with multiple mobs of different types (even classes) is a lot to handle until you are more experienced. You also said only 2 players have prior experience so adding one NPC each to the other players might result in forgetting key abilities of the NPCs during this battle royal which could mean life and death.
2) Although you know your players more than I do, some might actually like their current characters. Ramping up difficulty this high for level 3-4 PCs, regardless of the allied NPCs will be deadly depending on how you handle it. If the Barghest attacks a low level PC focusing on them, Nualia's channeling or a key failed save vs Shatter on your main martial type, the Yeth Hound's fear bomb... things could go south very quickly for them.
3) Sandpoint gets raided in book 4 anyway by some iconic enemies (Giants/Dragons) and NPCs could be handled by the players. By that time they'll have half an APs worth of experience and may be able to manage better. I'd say be patient, wait for this instead.
Ultimately, you know what you like as a GM. You SHOULD have an idea what the players like, if not find out. :)
Good luck and happy gaming.
You make good points and you're right that it would easily become overwhelming! And still I'm tempted. I think my players enjoy a good story and interesting combat where the outcome is uncertain, so it could fly by them. I'll see how Thistletop goes and then decide. And probably give them a good chance to stop Nualia from completing the ritual in any case.