If they value strength so highly, then they'll value their lives, and a threat thereof. [And Maria doesn't really fuck around when it comes to things like that.

That is an interesting segue, though, she has to admit. Hmm...] Perhaps. That would make sense, in a lot of ways. It would explain why they feel such a need to coddle Witches as well - they're dealing with... a potentially volatile substance. [Doesn't mean she likes it, but it does make sense.]