I really think Maria is an advantage in the beginning of the game. That is why they give her in a newbie package. When you have a server full of good striking power heroes, you might replace her with a better hero, that might work on morale, but in the beginning health seems to be more important than morale. I see the difference playing with a guardian equipement on one server where the morale goes up faster, than as a newbie where you have to face hopebringers equipement.