As for the first question, I agree completely. While Sodomir is right that an upped pillar is great to win because it's a free thousand , an unupped pillar is a waste of a spin.
Also an unupped Pillar is an advantage. You get 5
form the spin and have new card, and pillars always need. Even when sell it it give 4
. So it is better to get a pillar than nothing, isn't it?