Weve got every card from The First Chapter on, plus every promo and special set
While a number of the cards from this set have aged poorly (looking at you, Skyshroud Behemoth), a number were notable threats at that time but dont quite make the cut on this modern value-based list: Lin Sivvi, Defiant Hero was the engine for Rebel decks from this era, Saproling Burst slotted perfectly into Fires of Yavimaya decks (and also formed an instant-win combo with Pandemonium), and Rising Waters fueled a brutal control deck alongside the various Stax pieces and counterspells from sets of this era
Its activated ability offers an additional reliable way to grow creatures, ensuring the Crystal contributes even if your deck doesnt naturally produce counters
Instant and sorcery spells you cast cost one less generic mana to cast
Thinking about the endless possibilities with this interaction can send shivers down your opponents spine
Various Ajani incarnations offer life, they are all fine but need to be played in the appropriate place to be good and in such places you are typically not doing so for any life based reasons