>>723857671
FromSoft underdelivered on its waifu pandering.
I get that you can make an argument that its a test to see if you're really Lord material (if you can't beat a noobie wannabe God and the zombie of a guy you already beat once, what use are you to Ranni as muscle), but seriously, in a game where she's obviously you're intended girlfriend, there was some big missed potential. Or just say that she's too weak to do anything regarding helping you. But that isn't satisfying.
In general, I'd say that if you had any Mending Rune on you, Goldmask's, Fia's, Dung Eater's, or Ranni's ring, that you should have gotten some kind of boost from it. Like their spirit is inhabiting you and helping you fight for their desired future.

I'd also think that Melina should have left you a spirit ash after she burnt herself, so you'd be able to summon her later on.
More in the style of giving the player a girlfriend.