Kings, like the Emperor, are all about the big picture. What the machine should be doing. The Queens, like the Empress, make sure each part of the machine can do it's job. If not, she "fixes" them. That is her super power.
Queen Cups: being very open and giving, quite passive but open to both giving and receiving love. A mystical element.
There's passive, and there's passive.
We tend to view anyone who doesn't engage in physical action and busy work as "passive." But a person who listens and advises really isn't passive. They're just active in a quiet way. Always remember, both the King/Queen are "master/mistress" of their suit. She is the mistress of emotions. That means, in the positive, that she understands exactly what you're feeling and can lift your spirits if you're down. She genuinely cares about how you feel and wants you to feel your best: "When someone else's happiness is your happiness, that is love," is her motto. She can even help you understand how others are feeling. And she does have a psychic connection. In the negative, however, she can manipulate emotions.
Queen Pentacles: a sensible, no-nonsense woman who is ruled by logic rather than emotions. The earth mother - links to nature. Straightforward and direct.
Straightforward and direct and all about common sense, yes. But logic? No. That's the Swords. The Pentacles suit follow the rule that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Which isn't logic. It's tradition. It's not making waves. Which, for the Queen/Pents means that whatever society or culture she is part of, she's the arbiter of good taste. Be that the ultimate Earth mother serving up a vegan dinner, or the Beverly Hills housewife ordering up a crown roast. And talk about your "busy work" person. Here she is! This is Martha Stewart--both domestic goddess and corporate leader, concerned with every little detail. "Do it beautifully and do it right," is her motto. She takes what is socially acceptable and traditional (for her culture) and refines it to its glittering best. She's also, likely, a health and beauty expert.
Queen Swords: self contained, doesn't let many people in . Cuts through the rubbish. Cutting with her words but truthful and honest. Barriers up.
Here is your Queen of Logic. But don't forget, she's also the queen of science, communications (think internet and journalism) and humanitarianism. Her honesty goes beyond just telling the truth. It's seeing the truth and trying to make things better for future generations. Logically. Rationally. It's not about barriers being up. It's that she isn't going to waste time, or herself. "Never waste your feelings on people who don't value you," is her motto; so she holds off till a person proves themselves worthy. As you say, she cuts through the rubbish.
Queen Wands: a warm, active woman who is quite no nonsense. Has a passionate side. Can have a temper.
No nonsense? She's very much into nonsense when it serves her. Theater, costume balls, extreme sports. She is the sort of woman naturally in the spotlight and that's where she intends on staying. With outrageous behavior if need be. And a passionate side? She's ALL passionate side! Which means she'll also take the spotlight by leading crusades. This is Elenor of Aquitaine and Queen Elizabeth I. Bold, sparkling, witty, dramatic; never taking a breath or a rest. "You can sleep when you're dead" is her motto. And yes, "no nonsense" if it gets in *her* way. She'll punch you in the arm and tell you "cut it out! No one upstages me!" The Queen Bee who knows how to garner followers and keep them. "I want poetry and power and the young men who create it." And, yes, she has a terrible temper. All Wand courts do.
In the end, remember that the Queens are equal with the King's in being at the top of the Courts. That means they command and lead their suit. They understand that suit--be it spiritual needs and emotions (cups), practicality, physicality and social norms (pents), logic, communications, intellect (swords) or passions, actions, ambitions (wands). So turn the knob up to 11 when thinking about what they're like. They're not a "warm" page. They're a FIERY queen!