An artifact's mana value is determined solely by the mana symbols printed in its upper right corner (unless that artifact is the back face of a double-faced card, is a melded permanent, or is copying something else
Cards like "Ancient Grudge" for artifact removal, "Negate" for countering spells, or even "Pithing Needle" to shut down specific abilities can help you respond to different forms of counterplay
Also nifty in a certain Future Sight deck that another esteemed writer on this site swears by 9) Constant Mists Just three words
When the cascade ability resolves, you must exile cards
White Auracite (great) White Auracite is an unusual Stormplain Detainment variant, as its more expensive but also acts as a mana rock
Personal taste - Each ink type offers different playstyles, so our personal favorites will influence the list