i actually find it strange as well that buffs don't apply to the puppet, i can maybe understand shell as shell + some of its defensive attachments would make it strong to any nukes, but frankly for how weak it is i think that would be fine since protect will have little ot no bearing on its defense.

If i do recall right beastmen pup are somewhat strong to magic as well? and/or immune to some debuffs?

Personally i would like it if they let it buff itself, however with all the good in the incoming updates for pup i feel it this may anger the FF gods and they might throw a wrench into our pup AI for asking for it lol...so for now just going to say it would be nice!