As a bystander to the format, I can say that before Modern existed, the Extended formatwhich encompassed anywhere between the previous 4-7 years of Magicwas much maligned
A key (more difficult and less straightforward) skill that successful players boast is the ability to find two-for-one opportunities in game
This one cost sorcery has flashback for three so it's playable twice, and then it's a great first turn play, second-turn ramp or rock like Arcane Signet or Rampant Growth, third turn flashback
Elves and Goblins are already pretty strong even without any tribal lord
Nyssa of Traken is a one woman wrecking machine, refilling your hand and getting your team in for free attacks at the cost of junking some clues, food, treasure or thopters, even
I like that Archangel of Thune provides Karlov with additional +1/+1 counters when you gain life, giving you enough counters to exile creatures off two pips of life rather than three