This set is more exciting than the past few years of MTG to me. Well, since the original Conspiracy I'd say. If only WOTC would make sets like these for Standard, would be much more exciting.
A lot of his choices seem weird. I mean, maindeck Sphinx of the Final Word? That seems like a creature best fitted for the control mirror. I understand that you want a beatstick, but I'm not sure this is the best choice. I personally don't like it. I also don't like Spell Shrivel, it's awkward. Clash of Wills allows you to interact as soon as turn 2. I think Kalitas is too good to not be in the maindeck. Sure, he dies to Languish, but the lifegain is important, as are the zombies from your removal spells.
I'm also surprised at the lack of Dispel. Knowing Collected Company is a deck to beat, don't you want a 1CMC hard counter for it? I guess this is because the core is more black than blue, but it seems like a big oversight to me.
The quick and bold answer from WOTC would be enough to make me quit being a judge TBH. I think it has a condescending tone of "We did nothing wrong so shut up." Howver in reality without judges the community would fall apart so WOTC really does profit from "free work." It will be very interesting to say the least. WOTC is kind of a mess now with the Platinum cuts and a lot of bad decisions outside the card game.
So just like us
I also want to see a Show and Tell reprint at Mythic. Card is just perfect for multiplayer really.
I also think we will see Condemn (uncommon) instead of STP. Wishful thinking: Path to Exile.
I also want No Mercy to show up as a Rare.
For commons and uncommons at large, it's a bit harder to predict. Here are some choices I'd like to see:
Squadron Hawk. Was in EMA though
Abyssal Gatekeeper. Just amazing in MP
Pongify with a monkey token or Talrand's Invocation (bit more narrow)
Providence White rare #037
I'm willing to bet we will see Grindstone and Painter's Servant.
Chain Lightning at Rare. Goblin Guide at Mythic.
Berserk at Mythic.
Auramancer at Common.
Martyr's Bond reprint at Rare.
These are my predictions so far
I'm also surprised at the lack of Dispel. Knowing Collected Company is a deck to beat, don't you want a 1CMC hard counter for it? I guess this is because the core is more black than blue, but it seems like a big oversight to me.
Here are some changes I'd make:
Sphinx -> Dragonlord Silumgar or Linvala
Shrivel -> Clash
-1 Languish -> Kalitas
+ Dispel
Up to debate of course