Numbers don't tell the whole story, no, but they are certainly a great starting point. What's interesting is that you don't seem to have even remotely responded to the argument I made. Taking the AQ from 5 to 10 results in near paltry returns for the DE spent. As a matter of fact, it isn't even close.
I can send you video after video showing max defense TH9 war bases getting 3* by BK 10, AQ 7 to 10. Why? Because the troops, especially war troops, support the attack.
What's really interesting is that the attack you are promoting (Queen Pop) is one great reason why to not focus on heroes/AQ--you can 3* max TH9 war bases with "minor" heroes. Further, HPHB/HGHB can also work nicely with "minor" heroes.
One thing is a guarantee: the probability of getting a 3* on a max defense TH9 with max troops/"small" heroes is infinitely higher than vice-versa.
Why would you prepare for the inverse? This statement seems to make little sense. If you aren't matched up against Tier 1 clans, the 3* attack is even easier. I don't understand this rationale.
LOL, this is exactly the monster mistake people make and exactly why it's very difficult to get elixir troops through the lab early on in TH9. Elixir is in high demand. SF, Lab and army camps take a lot right there, but the often and significantly underrated DE drills, which take a lot of elixir to get to L6, also need love asap at TH9 for the exact reason you say: maxing out heroes takes forever if one chooses to stay at TH9.
In any case, it's highly doubtful that any reasonable person would recommend going to TH10 with TH8 war troops. In other words, it isn't like someone would move to TH10 without maxing certain troops, especially key war troops.
As such, what difference does it make when you do it when considering it from the perspective of your total time spent at TH9? They are going to get done, so might as well do it early and reap the benefits for as long as possible at TH9
The bottom line is this: Seldom, more like never, prioritize heroes, including AQ over key DE war troops at TH9. The lab should stay busy as much as possible at TH9 beginning as soon as the lab upgrades and ending after all key troops are finished upgrading.
Hero upgrades are diminishing returns anyways. Of course, if the lab is busy and you are projecting that you can spend DE on upgrading heroes in between lab upgrades, that's smart. But, I would never recommend, nor see the logic of, passing up a key war troop just to get an additional level or two out of the precious DE--the returns don't make it worth it
This debate really isn't close. Don't make the mistake of upgrading heroes at the expense of key troops. You will likely regret it

