No symbols or rules text of the permanent it melds into are considered
Some cards are still more powerful or efficient than others, but the balance of mana costs keeps things in relative check throughout the course of a game
Unlike the overlap of spree and tiered, where we decided the two mechanics were different enough to both be cool, we felt monologue was far less compelling, ludonarrative resonance of villainous monologues be damned
All the spells, the creatures, the artifacts, the land, the enchantments had to reinforce the concept of dueling
This is a big factor, but not the only one to consider
Mistys Tears Decent for water decks as it is a double Energy Search in one card as long as you discard something