It's true he's more of a front lines fighter and less of a tactician, but he's still an excellent commander. Everyone recognizes him as the greatest warrior in Japan, even the Tokugawa. The fat old tanuki himself said as much.

[She feels like she has to defend the Yukimura she knows, even though he's not actually the one Magoichi is talking about. He's someone she truly admires and someone her best friend close acquaintance has been in love with since forever, so she won't tolerate anyone badmouthing him.]