The only optional part of the ability is whether you cast the exiled card or put it into your hand
Those cards that are somewhat more dependent on each other tend to be better for balancing the overall card advantage of Partner commanders, like Haldan, Avid Arcanist and Pako, Arcane Retriever
The inclusion of Team Great Rocket is a reference to sets that had come out after the first Pokmon TCG game, including "We Are Team Rocket" and "Team Rocket's Ambition." This sequel added a bunch of new content that was not present in the original game
Many creature types that have high casting costs, like Dragons or Demons, giving you a chance to cast your spells a few turns earlier
I feel compelled to remind players to buy within their means and focus on purchasing singles if the new cards are the main appeal to you
Nice write up btw :) (I would Slam AV into this Deck) Ancestral visions could find home here