I like the effects linear mechanics are having on Zendikar limited.
A Sealed ally deck in Grand Prix Kitakyushu chose to run 2 Reckless Scholars and a Beast Hunt(!) while cutting cards like Bladetusk Boar and Kor Skyfisher, and it went 8-0. That pool had 3 ally "Lords" like the Warlord and Beastmaster, so cards that dig out allies and make it possible to play one every turn must have been top priority. But it still amazes me that Beast Hunt got played.
www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.a...
Cards with linear mechanics don't just change the value of other cards using the same mechanics, they can change the value of non-linear cards like Beast Hunt too.
Every Zendikar pool has multiple ways you can build it, and it feels like working with a puzzle box rather than "select the best colors. then select the best cards in those colors." I think it's partly because the card values shift depending on what themes you choose to follow for the build.
So the linear mechanics here not only provide "comfort" and "guidance," they allow for interesting choices as well!
