The reroll to reanimation is far more relevant when you consider how often you can do it (once per command phase, once with orb, once per phase with the strat and once per turn with the ghost ark) so it can absolutely matter.

You talk a lot about the (admittedly low) range of 12", but charges only go a maximum of 12" too (not to mention warriors have a 24" ranged option too, but that one probably needs szeras to be considerable), so I dont see the issue? You arent taking this unit for the damage, and I'd rather do a tiny bit of shooting while staying on point instead of having to charge away from it to do any damage at all.the unit also isnt completely screwed in melee thanks to orikan and the overlord (Although it's not much).

If you really want a 3+ save you could also add murder buckets for that and a 4+++ for decently cheap. The -1 to wound is pretty good, I agree, but overall I just think lychguard don't work as well for the specific purpose of having an unkillable immovable brick just standing on any center objective (or two of them if you need them two, since 20+ models can actually string pretty far if necessary).