I never really liked Steph, when I was first introduced to the character. Don't know why, just didn't. But over the past while, I find she's really growing on me. Being told by superhero after superhero that she's not good enough and that she doesn't belong there... that's an incredible amount pressure. When someone tells you, you're not good enough, give up, you're just dreaming - godamn, that dispiriting. Being told to give up over and over, by the people you admire and look up to - I don't know if I could withstand that, in her position.
Yeah, you could argue that her perseverance is a result of her thick-headed refusal to admit that she just doesn't have what it takes. I prefer to think that she does, but just has to work harder than most to get to the level she needs to be at. I hope Steph gives everyone the finger and makes them eat their words. Depending on how it's handled by the writer, I would actually find that inspiring.