If a spell is cast with an alternative cost that includes mana (such as flashback), Vexing Bauble's first ability won't trigger and won't counter that spell
Related Step 1: Look at your cards, and put aside any holographics or rare items
Kabutops, Aerodactyl, Jolteon, and Flareon join Raichu as the most valuable Kantonian Pokemon in Sandstorm, but there are plenty of Pokemon to enjoy from Emerald
If your opponent has to kill your Esper Sentinel with something like Declaration in Stone or Lightning Strike for two mana, you are already winning the exchange, with your opponent having to trade down mana-wise
Ragavan, Dragons Rage Channeler, and Hammer Time require you to have a certain density of one-mana interaction, so old reliable Lightning Bolt gets the nod
While I do believe that they're generally misguided, there is truth at the center of their argument, and there's most certainly value to be taken from it