SP AI definitely still questionable.

[Archonsod]

Depends on the pretender I guess. If they're immortal and your in their dominion, it makes perfect sense.
Besides, I've used my pretender on suicide missions myself, especially if they can cast some nasty spells. If your in a last ditch defensive situation, using your pretender as a nuke can sometimes be useful. I dunno, the pretender as a whole is far less important in Doms 3. In fact, each time I've set an awakening option I've had nothing for the pretender to do by the time they arrive.