If you somehow can't discard a card (probably because you had no cards in hand and another effect prevented you from drawing cards), you won't put any counters on Cait no matter whether or not the defending player discarded a card or what that card's mana value is
Assuming you get a box without any production issues, Dragon Shield takes the cake because they are amazingly durable
The card would have a curse score separate from its power, so a 1/1 creature could potentially have a curse 3 ability, putting three -1/-1 counters on blockers
Even just in my Lyra deck, the fact I can bring back Serra Ascendant, Esper Sentinel, Bishop of Wings or Restoration Specialist has me hyped
Beckett Brass at the head of your ship means you're highly incentivized to play cheap, evasive Pirates
This 2-drop offers a cheap, repeatable sacrifice outlet that plays well with lifegain synergies