Well, for blind runs, Princesses are probably easier to use since they
1) block
2) are more durable if you don't know where ranged enemies are going to appear, and
3) most come with some utility especially after AW (Bronze/Silver/Gold buff, ranged damage during skill with instant kill, Elf/Dwarf buff and dodge, true damage for Claudia)
For subsequent runs, Despara is awesome if you know where to drop her. Early, high-powered magic damage (with slow attached) is great stuff on sooo many maps.
@Kayfabe, to be fair, he did mention his comment was aimed more toward blind runs, where having more panic buttons is often a good thing.