That I believe is indeed the point - that French troops were not reduced in Italy. Maida ensured the safety of Sicily which formed the base for a relatively small British force. This force was an ever-present threat in the Mediteranian with the consequence that much larger number of French and allied soldiers had to be diverted to the same theatre extending from Greece to S/E Spain. I cannot quantify the relative numbers but this situation demonstrates the advantages for an entity in command of the sea. No-one could suggest that the British force was used to best advantage or that all Napoleon's troops were 'first line' but they were nevertheless troops that could have been useful elsewhere. Neither can it be claimed that Maida was a decisive matter compared with elsewhere but it would have had an effect out of proportion to the cost in man-power to the British. As has been said already, Maida was not a major engagement but its morale value was considerable. In the context of the wider Calabrian campaign ultimately a British success was not possible as Napoleon could always apply a superior force if necessary but this would mean a diversion and erosion of the military assets available to him (used to masterly effect by Wellington in Spain).