Regarding leadership, I think combat command is being given a big discount here, particularly how both Lae'zel and Shadowheart both show appreciation after initial battles and Wyll can't contain his awe.

MC _is_ the battle commander, no matter where they lead from. For me personally, I would definitely defer to a proven combat winner; A) you live, B) you get better, and C) look at all the better gear and resources you're accumulating.

(And this harkens back to my early TT D&D where one player would have a character noticeably higher level and you'd base party tactics around that.)

I'm not arguing that Tav has more story than origin characters, but I am saying that whoever MC is seems to be considered combat leader in-game.