[Gregstrom]

1. They're unarmoured sacreds with only average defence and two attacks (although 1 is a kick - wow...). Probably not.
2. Yes, right down to having an upkeep cost.
3. They have about 17 prot, a buckler and a falchion or similar (and I think a kick too). Good MR and attack/defence make them able to stand up well in fights with LA troops.
4. The Rudra is a big 4-armed SC chassis, and is pretty handy. The Devala is a spellcaster who's not much good in a fight IIRC, and the side-effect of boosting magic scales makes it a good boost to researchers if you haven't gone for magic 3 in your scales.