I was going to post my own "bug" regarding this, but I'll just add to this.
Merisiel enters combat and is allotted 1d8 (Str), unarmed. If I use a ranged weapon, that is replaced by 1d12 (Dex), plus any bonuses offered by her Dex and ranged weapon.
Now, I use the elite ally, Soldier, who reads, "Recharge this card to add 1d4 to your Melee combat check." My initial 1d8 is now 2d4; not 1d8+1d4.
So while she starts off d8, I believe doing anything "melee" will convert that d8 into a d4.