I guess my point is that they act SO diffferent (one having volition, one not) that to call them both zombies seems misleading, unless there was more in the books to justify that kind of grouping.
I think I originally used the term zombie, to mean anything raised from the dead, again.I.e., the undead. I don't know the technical specifications of what qualifies as a "zombie" versus something else, and was in no way trying to be technically accurate with my zombie terminology. I did mean the ones that the fire god brought back to life, vis a vis, that guy who seems to have the power to request the fire god stuff, and brought back his friend. It was in the show.
I think it is very unlikely and would very much diminish his character if he were indeed a Targaryen.
I think his character, in great parts, serves as a complement to Littlefinger's character. Where, Littlefinger is someone who used to be a no one, no noble birth, and who climbed the ladder, to make his own name. In contrast, there is Varys, who, if a Targaryen, would be someone who actively chose to hide such a noble identity, stripped of his manhood, his noble name, it was almost like he recreated his identity, and became 'no one of importance' in the Westerosi games, yet one who maneuvers the pieces quite a bit, like Littlefinger. A shadow on the walls. After all, power resides where men believes it resides. And if no one believes him to be a Targaryen, then no one sees him as powerful enough to be of any 'significant' importance, which has allowed him to play the game as he has, up until now. Infiltrate from the inside.
I think it would enhance the motivation of his character, if he were a Targaryen. Otherwise, I am left wanting as to why, even before Danerys became who she is, Varys had spies trailing her progression. It was as if he knew she had potential. And if Varys is not a Targaryen, I don't see his character as someone who believes that just because a Targaryen girl still survives out there in the world, she is someone to spend resources on, to see
if she has potential, solely based on a name.
As for Jon's ice-splitting: Azor Ahai or Valyrian steel? I hope it is the first hint at the former.
What is Azor Ahai?
Edit: you answered ^, V
As for your other point:
Because what makes him so good is that he works for a greater good that does not primarily benefit himself.
That's a great point regarding Varys. I see the same in him, and if my theory is correct, I can see him hoping that Dany has the potential to usurp all the bullshit that has become Westerosi, but he didn't act on it, until he sees her potential realized. It was enough to follow her, because of her name, but it was not enough for Varys to act, until he did, until Dany proved that she was worth fighting for.