Why is V constantly benched?

[Emanick]

I'm sure they'd appreciate being exposed to massed crossbow fire.

I doubt that the soldiers who just a minute ago expressed horror at the possibility that they might injure or kill Elan will be eager to open fire on him when Vaarsuvius picks him up. The same goes for Haley if she clings to him.

True hatred demands it. By ascribing admirable qualities to a horrific character, one de-emphasizes the horrificness of the character. Case in point: Tarquin.

I'd rather not experience "true hatred" at all, but learning that doing so requires me to be intellectually dishonest somehow makes the prospect even less enticing.