I've tested Favour items with different profiles, and it's easy to see that the favour items are not added to the stats if I don't select the item from the favour item menu, however, there are a lot of people assuming these items should give a passive bonus to your Demigod, this doesn't seem to be the case however.
So either it's working as intended and you have to chose your favorite item for the Demigod you're currently playing with to equip for that match every time, or there should be a bug fix for this issue. Personally I think if it is indeed the way that you have to chose your item from the selection that you've purchased that that's great, as that will solve almost all balance issues people are fussing over in multiplayer games, however, it does seem that the items that ARE chosable seem a little weak, perhaps would be nice if you could also add some favour items to the inventory for use in game too.
The hole purpose of gainingn favour seems a bit lost with that notion though as I don't see what else I would use it for, even though it's to gain the favour of the gods... how do the gods show a little appreciation? What's my future insentive to keep gaining favour points?
Regards,
Stamt.