On the effective early use of Pretenders in combat

[PrinzMegaherz]

Isn't it usually past the beginning of the game once you have access to fairy queens and gift of health?

Yes it is. But one affliction alone is not that bad (depending on the affliction of course). However, multiple afflictions are very bad, but it will take your SC Pretender some time to accumulate these. By the time this is the case you should have access to those mentioned spells.