Another UA Nightlord Question(s)

Though, without the full set bonus the special outfit is kind of useless.

IMO, using the set long term would require scrolling and cubing them well. Also note that you get pineappled if a 90% potential fails on any of the 5 equips, and you lose out from how thieves are able to wear top/bot for more equips to potential. Personally, I don't see how any class gains long term benefits from the empress set; Chaos zhelm more than makes up for the +all stats and bonus from the hat, Von Leon gloves have 2 more slots and there's the option to PSoK and resell either if you're not satisfied anymore (major investments in your empress set are only good if you're going to be using them forever).