Just look at it from the publisher, Wizards of the Coast, point of view they want to attract fans from other franchises (hence the crossover), and still need to make the set fun, exciting, and balanced right from turn one
Zack Fairs ability to pass on counters and Equipment at the drop of a hat makes for a playstyle that will leave your opponents guessing, and force them to play to counter your deck instead of progressing their own strategy
With the Mage Slayer, you dont need to worry about getting damage through because once that trigger is on the stack, someone is getting taken out
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Well also want some card draw in there
You would be doing this instead of challenging if you choose