I guess it would depend on what the ultimate goal here is. But I suppose even then it would seem like an odd thing to bring people here and NOT let them be at their best. Maybe she likes to see people challenged.

[Obviously he is speaking here of the woman who summoned them all here. Maes isn't sure what to make of it himself. There's a challenge and then there's stripping a powerful, resourceful alchemist of his ability and giving him a different one he's unfamiliar with. It doesn't make any kind of logical or tactical sense. He twirls a ring around his finger, not quite ready to play now that the conversation seems less off hand and more serious.]

She also grants abilities...so I guess she might see that as an equal trade off.