Since all Modern cards should pass through Standard at a given point, WotC was having trouble feeding the format with new cards or reprints, since cards like Tarmogoyf and Cryptic Command would be too powerful for Standard (were talking about the 2013 MTG era, keep in mind)
On the other hand, the Instants offer some great support by Bile Blight killing a board of tokens (this will obliterate Tyranid players), Dark Ritual helping to cast things earlier in the game, and Brainstorm helping you smooth out future turns
A year or so ago Id have dismissed the idea that Swiftfoot Boots and Lightning Greaves were autoincludes, as they dont protect from board wipes
Maybe its time to make your Pioneer deck extra special, huh
Card prices are up 206.1% all time, up 2.9% over 30 days, and up 43.5% year-to-date
Wizards of the Coast has announced it's bringing back Magic Game Night, a box of five Magic: The Gathering decks intended to introduce new players to the TCG