Avenger is ultimately stronger, but they both make plants equal to the number of lands you control (Phylath specifies basics, sadly)
80% of Modern Sport cards (1986-2016) have graded at a PSA 8 or higher
Throw in some ways to flicker, bounce, or copy the Sage, and you have a powerful engine that punishes artifacts and enchantments
The ETB is a fairly specific graveyard hate, but its a good rate, even on hard cast
Izzet decks and Mono-Red Aggro have lost a step but remain serviceable
A few examples include: Log in Open 4 booster packs Reach Player Level 3 Trade Collect cards following certain themes, such as all Electabuzz & Magmar cards, all Kanto Starter Pokemon, all Eeveelutions, etc