I agree with this.
In games where players have the option of choosing either a male or a female character, the male version is nearly always chosen more often. I don't think it has anything to do with marketing.
So what is the reason? Cultural stereotypes where every lead is a grizzled square jawed white guy?
Having a female lead as the main marketing brand would have made the game standout more.. they could always have had a reversible cover and online trailer for the male.
The players don't need to be told you can play as a guy, it would be there on the option screen underneath the default female option.