[Boron]

ok true . but all in all they are not so much cheaper than the vq .
especially for abysia the d1b2 of the vq is just nice because with only little empowerment there she can summon vampire lords .

all in all the pod + the virtue are about 100-150 points cheaper than the vq so about +3 scales .
this is the price for immortality etc.

but both need to be equipped in the best possible way you can if you want to use them in combat mid-lategame .
the vq can be equipped but it is no 100% must you can simply degrade her to a forger / summoner + occasional attacker not of the main enemy army but raiding armies etc still unequipped .

the immortality bonus is not that great but is good from psychological viewpoints .
if you are e.g. 80% sure to win the battle you can use your vq but perhaps you don't use your pod/virtue .