The character was written as feeling physically helpless, which after at least three incidents where she was nearly killed isn't a bad conclusion to come to. If you'd been through what she had, you might want to be tougher yourself to compensate.
Honestly, I'm not sure what your point is. She was written for quite some time as hoping and wishing for a physical upgrade, and the Siege Perilous (and the writer) gave her one. What about it grates on you so?