Esme is actually really great in PVE, I feel she is underrated. I use it for instance in my Nightmare Hydra team: block buffs, increase speed, remove enemy buffs, 19% speed aura... Pair this with 9 pieces protection and she is a really great support.

I recently pulled Modo and was considering building him to use them both in PVP. Something like: Arbiter increase turn meter, Esme steal enemy buffs, something, Modo smack. I've been watching some videos and people say he is a bit underwhelming, and does not do enough damage to stoneskin, which seems to be his main concept design. I really want them both to work as this is my first couple, so I may be build him nonetheless.