Weve seen tons of support for the mechanic with commanders like Faldorn, Dread Wolf Herald, Prosper, Tome-Bound, and Rocco, Street Chef, just to name a few
Artifact Hate Cards like: - Vandalblast - Bane of Progress - Null Rod - Stony Silence Can severely disrupt you
For the mana, I think I've been hoping some of the indirect mana sources (blink or reanimate Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, steal mana rock with Yuffie, Materia Hunter, even out land advantage with Knight of the White Orchid, etc) would play out, but I definitely see what you mean
See the singles buying guide For a modern SIR, counterfeits are less of a concern than condition, but still buy from reputable sellers
On arrival I was happy to find that both the cards and the printing was of a quality similar real Pokmon Card
Most of the cards that make Legacy expensive are the same cards that make Modern expensive: Snapcaster Mage, Liliana of the Veil, Misty Rainforest, etc