Two of these changes are all about subtypes.

Descendant of Storms over Usher of the Fallen. Usher is a spirit that can make humans, which is good. But a human soldier that can make spirits is better. I also like that you can grow Descendant if the better option is a single, bigger critter.

Cutting stalwart Kari Zev, Skyship Raider in favor of the significantly weaker Shock Brigade will likely come as a surprise. There are a few factors at work here. One, goblin soldier wins out over human pirate and a monkey. Two, I genuinely don't think this powers down red aggressive decks all that much. They will remain extremely competitive. Three, the fact that the Brigade's token is sacrificed at the end step rather than exiled at the end of combat allows for more tricks and cleverness and plays better with red's sacrifice theme.

Lastly, Cori-Steel Cutter is just more interesting than Beamtown Beatstick, not to mention more powerful. I like having cool, strong equipment that can offset the costs of playing something that doesn't strictly affect the board until you also pay an equip cost. They can't all work like that, but in this case it's great having a way to rebuilt after a board wipe regardless of whether or not you're drawing creatures.

See previous blog entry for reasonings