Feminists take this sort of thing very seriously. Even conservative feminists. I have a great time with this phrase with women: “I respect you - as a woman.” They automatically think it is loaded and an insult. Yet men don’t think anything of the sort when you say to them, “I respect you - as a man.”
Thing is, her looks MATTER. You simply cannot get around it, so she should run with it.
At least she’s not blonde. ;)
I'd be interested to hear how the PUMA's feel about the cover art chosen.