I think these changes and removals have to be good for the game. I have been thinking for a while now that the new sets are having less and less impact on the game (with a few exceptions) because for the pro/top players it is too easy to take a current core deck, and tweak it here and there with a couple of new cards, job done.
Azure drake is everywhere, and so is Rag, taking these cards out will mean people with have to have a good think about the core build of decks, think how many have 2 x drake and rag in ....
That and the changes to the ladder make me a happy bunny!
Exciti