Being able to use two quanta sources ≠ using less quanta.
Normal pillar generates 1 quanta per the intended elements, each turn from that single pillar would be worth 1 per cost.
Quantum pillar generates 0.25 quanta per the two intended elements, this turn from that single pillar would be worth .5 per cost.
Freeze + this is a two card combo. Two card combos can insta-kill. As an attacker, it fails. As a quanta producer, it fails. This cannot attack and generate quanta at the same time, therefore it also doesn't even have a "I can do both so being nerfed in those two areas is justified" bonus.
Scenario:
Play fierqua golem. -7 quanta.
Freeze it. turn 1. +2 quanta.
Turn 2. +2 quanta.
Turn 3. +2 quanta.
Turn 4.
Net quanta: -1. Resulting creature: 8|6. Cards: 2. Turns: 4. Damage: 8.
Also note that you need 7 quanta at the very beginning to play the damn thing.
Compare it to:
Play spark.
Play plate armor. -1 quanta. Turn 1.
Turn 2.
Turn 3.
Turn 4.
Net quanta: -1. Resulting creature: 3|3. Cards: 2 Turns: 3. Damage: 12.
Upped:
Play fierqua golem. -7 quanta.
Congeal it. turn 1. +4 quanta.
Turn 2. +4 quanta.
Turn 3. +4 quanta.
Turn 4. +4 quanta.
Turn 5.
Net quanta: +9. Resulting creature: 13|11. Cards: 2. Turns: 5. Damage: 13.
Compare it to:
Play brimstone eater. -1 quanta.
Fractal it. Play 1. -10 quanta. Turn 1. +2 quanta.
Play another one. -1 quanta. Turn 2. +3 quanta.
Play two more. -2 quanta. Turn 3. +5 quanta.
Play the last four 4 more. -4 quanta. Turn 4. +9 quanta.
Turn 5 +9 quanta.
Net quanta: +10. Resulting creature(s): 9 2|1's. Turns: 5. Damage: 28
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Oh, and if you want OldTrees-esque formulas:
Ash Eater | 2 = 2 attack -1 (fire bonus) |
Fire Spirit | 2 = 0 attack +2 (growing attack) -1 (fire bonus) |
Lava Golem | 5 = 5 attack +3 (scaling both) -1 (duo ability) -2 (fire bonus) |
Crimson Dragon | 10 = 12 attack -2 (fire bonus) |
Phoenix | 7 = 7 attack +2 (rebirth) -2 (fire bonus) |
Firefly | 3 = 3 attack +1 (quanta gen.) -1 (air bonus) |
Fierqua Golem | 4 = 5 attack +2 (scaling +1/+1) +2 (quanta gen.) -2 (cannot attack while scaling or generating quanta) -1 (double-card combo) -2 (fire bonus)
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Note that air bonus is -1 cost because everything in air is super cheap and that fire bonus is free +X% attack bonus because everything in fire hits hard.