She was a leader, as were all three of our choices, but the story had Bolas being the God-Pharaoh, so we couldn't play up her leadership abilities
The combination of cards and life are usually enough to be able to turn around a game pretty effectively
"OP06-074 Zephyr (Navy)" has a powerful effect that can K type Counter +2000, retrieve Blockers trashed in the early game, or search for a finisher with "OP06-013 Monkey.D.Luffy".
For the longest time (basically until Counterspell was printed in Modern), Thoughtseize, and to a lesser extent Inquisition of Kozilek, were the only major universal disruption spells in Modern
Each opponent who attacked you or a planeswalker you control this turn can't cast spells
Life gain bridges that gap, helping to ensure you have the time to deploy your sweet spells