Could it be?  Could someone finally do the obvious thing with
 regards to Maya's affections by giving them a new, better focus?

Probably (It IS the obvious thing to do....), but it almost certainly won't 
work out any better for Maya, mainly becuase 1) Misato doesn't swing that 
way, and 2) If she did, SHE'D probably want Ritsuko too, so.....