You can activate Soul Drain by paying 1000 life points
Its a big flier that copies that spell, or another spot removal you have, while getting some counters
A crucial part of Legacy Goblins and Death and Taxes, it was also a big role-player in Modern Death and Taxes lists, as well as Merfolk decks, though the Vials time in Modern has mostly passed
There are even international tournaments where players get together to compete
Rule 712.4 tells us all we need to know: While a double-faced card is outside the game or in a zone other than the battlefield or stack, it has only the characteristics of its front face. Its the only face we can evaluate for commander-ness
(Edit: New version of Laval Master Blacksmith, only increases levels) 85% - I am fairly happy with the Blacksmith theme of altering levels and buffing Lavals