@Nuul - Quasar has fought Phoenix II (Rachel), and pretty much showed he could beat her. While Rachel is not as competent as Nate, she is certainly more powerful.
Any how I think its safe to say Nate took a dive for Ares at the end. Seriously Nate was physically stalemating Ares, while he dealt with the rest of the Dark Avengers.
Overmind, a Watcher, Moondragon, MODOK, Phoenix II, Oracle.........Id say a few there could match him.
no, only mental domination; he can still be "read" & "spoken to".
also, said protection only works if the feature has been turned on.
to clarify, Elvis fought a mind-controlled Phoenix II who only used fairly basic energy against him; if unfetterd I dont doubt that fight would look alot different.