Noob - Real-Amp Question

Hey everyone. Here is the scenario i am in, and am just curious about your opinions.

I enjoy having a live amp on stage with me still (i play in a 10 piece casino band regularily)

I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. It's just what i still have, even since getting the Helix (vs. buying a powered speaker, or going to in-ears, stage monitors, pa line, etc)

So I am wondering if I am approaching it in a way that makes sense:

I am trying to use my Fender Hot Rod, simply as a powered speaker cabinet, since i own it anyway. I have run out of the Helix 1/4" and into the 'Power Amp In' part of the fx loop on my Hot Rod. So to be clear, just one cable going to my amp.

Am i correct in assuming, this has basically bypassed all of the pre-amp on my HRD? This way, i can use Amp modelling still (and just turn off Cab modelling if desired).

I am curious though... none of the knobs on my HRD work in this scenario (I thought i would still have Master Volume active for example, but no.). If anyone has any insight( i'm not really asking a question, but am just curious how and why it is working the way it is. I didn't expect it.)

Any Pro's and Con's here? #1 is that it sounds good to me so far, and I am as happy with the sounds, as i was when i had physical pedals going on into my HRD. I am wondering if this is in any way 'bad' for my HRD. I haven't seen any problems. The cleanest of clean tones, are still excellent.

I also read something about Line vs Instrument in the Helix settings, and wondering if i need to consider that in this scenario

Just gathering knowledge and trying to learn from others.

Thanks!