I think that Eileen Stahl might have missed the point of Tales of Symphonia. She says that Colette "systematically loses her ability to eat, feel, and speak; willingly dooms herself to die as a sacrifice for the world," which is true. But she's also ignoring the fact that Colette is the Chosen One and that, technically, she's EXPECTED to die in order to save the world by becoming an angel (the vessel for the Goddess Martel who isn't even an actual goddess). Colette's fate is meant to be viewed as a tragedy because she really is not given a choice about it; if she doesn't go through with sacrificing herself then the world will eventually die.
As well, Tales games have often been about deconstructing the entire 'Chosen One' device. The reason that all of those negative things happen to Colette is really BECAUSE she is the Chosen One. It's not meant to be pretty or heroic, it's meant to be tragic. I liked Colette as a character because she was surprisingly sympathetic despite the fact that she's supposed to die ? she accepts that ? and does admit that she's scared about dying and becoming an angel, but she's also strong. It's even noted that one of the characters wishes they could be more like her because of that strength she has in facing her own death despite her fears.
Tales games also have a surprisingly good roster of strong female characters. Sheena, for instance, is a little bit clumsy but she wants to save her world and the people she cares for, but she is also ? later in the game if you complete certain side-quests ? made the successor to the leader of the village of Mizuho. Raine can't cook but is incredibly smart and often times serves as the voice of reason for the group; she's sort of the mentor of the group, especially given that she is the main characters' teacher at the start of the game. Lastly, Presea is shown swinging an axe around that is just as big as she is and is, personally, my favorite melee fighter. She might not be as fast as Lloyd, but she packs a strong punch and is shown to be a strong woman who is just insecure about the fact that she's been stuck in the body of a twelve year old for sixteen years.
Then again, Tales games are about deconstructing a lot of common devices used in video games... the villains are often not hugely Complete Monsters and there is a bit of a blurred line about who may or may not be in the wrong sometimes.
You also get Tear in Tales of the Abyss, Chloe Valens in Tales of Legendia, and Judith in Tales of Vesperia; all strong female characters without them being too in-your-face like Lightning on the other side of the spectrum.
