I think the main issue is that people come into the game with the expectation that Lona's supposed to be fully equipped to take on the grimdark setting. They've completely missed the point that she's supposed to be so weak that killing rats is accurately represented as being physically taxing to her. Her reaction to the guild saying they can't pay her to kill rats anymore is supposed to be a serious "oh shit" moment.
I'd be down with eccma keeping the stamina system in its current ...unforgiving... state, just wish he'd do something about the damn stunlocks. One unlucky hit is all it takes for things to go to shit. When the average bandit/goblin can attack faster than goddamn Kenshiro, melee is a bad idea in general.
And I get it's supposed to be. Like you mentioned, it's a miracle Lona's lasted as long as she has (when the game starts, Sybaris as been out of the picture for a few months). Stealth archer, slut, or mage (if you're rich/lucky/don't give a shit about collateral damage). Those are basically the three options. Melee is essentially reserved for an endgame Lona. Kind of a shame, but it is what it is.
...Actually, does the dodging skill even have a practical use? I've tried using it for counterattacks, but the iframe only lasts long enough for you to get hit by the next attack an opponent throws at you. lol
The mission though, it's quite as you've said but also a bit of a challenge to actually do it lol. Fking Maani + random thugs + nasty traps placements made it really difficult to just run pass them safely, and either of them hitting me once resulting in loading the save file.
I don't know if the dev has any future plans for Maani, but....
Fuck Maani. lol