Regardless, it is among the strongest ramp options that non-green Commander decks can use
Granted, theres a wide pool of removal that can deal with the Merfolk, given its flimsy one Willpower, but the potential here is high enough to make it worth playing regardless
But now, pair it with Isochron Scepter ($18) and go infinite on turn 3
Get the extra benefits of cards like Borborygmos Enraged, Seismic Assault, Bone Miser, Green Goblin, Nemesis, and Lluwen, Imperfect Naturalist, and then bring those lands right back to your hand
As Magic: The Gathering ramps up its global reach, demands on supply are clearly creating more problems like this
Paying Life for Effects Cards that say Pay X life or Lose X life in exchange for something can shift the momentum in your favor