I use a pod a lot of the time and Kevin is absolutely right is is very different to playing through a micked amp. Which one works for you, well to be honest I thing you just have to suck it and see. Amps are a lot more responsive an have a better dynamic but require a lot more work and skill to record well. Pods are convenient and easy to use.

One word of caution, miking the monitors may produce totally uncontrollable and useless feedback which is a nightmare !