3 grand into PQs: 96 shares at today's close ($31)
3 grand into commons: 12,552 shares at today's close (.239).
$5 x 12,552 = $62,760.
96 x $1000 = $96,000.
So in your $5 pps scenario, the PQs are a better buy. Even if the PQs take a 20% haircut they are a better buy.
The preferred are a better buy right now if you think commons will get less than $8 a share. Simple as that.