Having control over how your early game develops means you're more likely to survive until the mid-to-late game where the deck starts to shine
This is somewhat misleading, though, as red's direct damage is in many ways multiple mechanics
It can still hold a high price tag, even after its reprint
If you don't need to reanimate Birds, then Kastral comes with other fantastic effects
And Mega Sceptile-EX turns out to be really awesome, because it's a really inexpensive energy acceleration attack for Grass type, which is a type that's lacking in good energy acceleration
We have excellent targets despite mounts appearing in only two sets, including Fortune, Loyal Steed to flicker Caradora for more tutors and Bulwark Ox to utilize the counter doubling