I think the argument has not been well-stated. I think what's equally true for male and female 'heroes' is that there must something...not likeable, perhaps, but something that strikes a chord with us somewhere - and not necessarily for the best of reasons.
But yes, I agree - why should the female counterparts of, I don't know, Flashman, always have to get their comeuppance? do women always have to go on a journey and come out the other end of their troubles somehow purified by suffering? Is this really what we want to read about? Grr.
Rant over.
<Added>Hah! The post by ?Jaytee? reminded me of 'The Fall' in which Gillian Anderson plays a very strong, uncompromising character. Any bets it's not going to end well for her?