^--- I believe that since she assumed the role of her favorite character, she sought contacts to complete the role. This episode seems to have silently confirmed that.
And, am I the only one who found it odd when Kobato took control of Maria's character, it retained Maria's voice? Surely the game isn't as advanced as a voice recognition storage, as far as I can tell the players voice is transmitted through it (for example when Yozora giggled).
Though it was funny hearing Maria speak Kobato's way
bbl