I also think counting the number of cards that are available now is the wrong tactic to take. They are saying they are going to use it more going forward. And as we have seen with treasures, goad, UB, and outside tokens that require tracking, sometimes they find an idea and go too far in design.

The point of Commander is to take magic cards and reframe them into a new format from how they were intended. The game is not intended to be played with 100 cards, or a legendary leader, or color identity. EDH is better when we have to work for it, not when we are spoon fed.

I agree with so much of what you say here.

I did listen to the podcast @maro254.bsky.social did for hybrid and using companion as a lynchpin argument seems flawed. To argue they don’t work as intended is correct, but it’s not because of hybrid. Designer intent missed there. Intent doesn’t matter.

Finch and Sparrow Games in Long Beach is only about 30ish minutes away. Amazing store, amazing selection.