You're doing fine, although you probably shouldn't make yourself seem so weak, people might think they can take advantage of you. 

I am very annoyed at having to trash a character I spent hours working on and meticulously balancing, but I can understand the need to keep players around, and I can also understand the problem of a seemingly overpowered character being the standard of strength for the roleplay. I had intended for Maria to be a side character, not taking the spotlight, but apparently that isn't enough to level out her obvious potential.