Anime fans would have loved it, and game fans wouldn't have thought much of it
In recent entries in the series, Poliwrath remains a fixture, often found in post-game content where players can test their teams against tougher opponents
It can't be targeted, and damaged-based removal has to do a lot to kill it (such as Pestilence or Hurricane)
If this was reduced, far less cards would need to be given up in order to make a single trade, and as a result the cost in resources would be far more tolerable
The big limitation is the lack of other Kavu, but Possibility Technician seems borderline playable as your only Kavu (along with a Soulstone Sancturary or two to late game be able to play any exiled cards)
The dread of having to discard a card without even choosing was real, and people felt as if they were being sabotaged each time the specter hit