The upped version is very fast, no doubt that, but for those who wants the unupped version until farm the upped, i suggest 3 immolations instead of pillars, then you sacrifice the phoenix to put a dragon or other phoenix on the table, and this card can be revived, i know it takes out the simplicity of this deck, but if you get used to look at your quantum and plus 7 on it you can get some advantage against possible loses...
I say this because i noticed that AI3 gets a little confused with creature control when you have about 3 or more creatures on the table, if they are similar thats a great chance that it does not even use control... if i'm wrong just clear me out..