2 (or more) PCs per Player

[Tetsubo]

In an old 2E FR campaign I allowed the players to each run two characters. They were only allowed to have one spellcaster however. It worked out well. The group didn't have many players and this helped flesh things out.

 

[Endur]

I have tried 2 or more PCs per player. Even playing a dozen or more PCs for a player.

I think one PC per player is best. Allows the player to focus on Roleplaying as opposed to game rules. With two or more PCs being managed by a single player, that person can't spend much time on roleplaying for each PC.

 

[Ipissimus]

Done it before, DMed it too, didn't like it.

Pros: If one of your PCs dies, then the players don't feel so bad.

Cons: The players often lack emotional investment in their PCs, forget their PCs abilities and gear. Also, roleplaying both at once in social situations is difficult.

If your short players, I find its better to either fill ranks with friendly NPCs or adjust the dungeon to suit the party. Of course, you might not have that much time, so having more than one PC per player is ok.