Padeem is going to provoke less aggro than many of the other options, protects your game plan from spot removal, and can draw cards
Gandalf the Grey Gandalf the Grey has several good modes, but its best is easily its ability to copy spells for free
Returning two small things from the 'yard to play for five or six mana doesn't sound that awesome, but ReveillarkReveillark makes up for the somewhat restrictive cost with combo potential alongside Karmic GuideKarmic Guide and Viscera SeerViscera Seer: Saffi EriksdotterSaffi Eriksdotter and Altar of DementiaAltar of Dementia work as combo pieces, too, among other options, making the 'Lark an important role player in decks like Teysa KarlovTeysa Karlov, Karador, Ghost ChieftainKarador, Ghost Chieftain, and Alesha, Who Smiles at DeathAlesha, Who Smiles at Death
Instead of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, were putting it back in the hat
All of the format's problems stem from the availability of fast mana and tutors