The old men in FF3(j)

In FF3(j), you meet up with four old men who...well, those who have played the game knows. Anyway, I have seen sprites for these old men in a way that makes me think that they can become your companions (following you and contribute to the plot that is...) but that never seemed to happen when I've played. Have I missed something in this game?

They only appear that way in the ending sequence, such that they'll match all the other sub-characters. They never join the party, sadly.

only in the end at (SPOILER)sylx tower did they make plot

Have you forgotten the entire Amur sequence?