Just about every MTG set has a red sorcery that does one damage to each creature an opponent (or every opponent) controls - with an equipped Ghyrson on the board, that becomes a one-sided board sweeper (indestructible creatures, and creatures with protection from red or blue not withstanding)
players whove never seen the card will be surprised indeed
The important phrasing here is once it's resolved. If you play a flash creature during the attack phase before blockers are assigned, then yes, you can block with it
With an Esper deck, you shouldnt be lacking in a library full of instants and sorceries to fuel your hate
So yeah, cards like Souls Attendant, Suture Priest, True Conviction, Path of Bravery, Healer of the Pride, Auriok Champion & Blind Obedience are all good ways to keep a steady life-gain through the game
When that happens, we as speculators should recognize the buying opportunity screaming at us