Are you able to get the lineout from the Rec, and run it through the POD's cab impulses, without any amp simulation? Obviously the POD doesn't have great cab impulses, but it could be interesting to see, cos if you're using POD's impulses vs. a real cab, obviously the cab is going to win. But if you're using a POD amp vs. a real amp, with POD impulses, the results might be a lot closer. Although I'm not sure what this would prove ;p