Pointed Discussion

This card was great in that theme deck. Given that Channel is strictly worse than Cycling... it should cost less to use.

Channel isn't strictly worse. Cycling is more restrictive, except for 'search-cycling' it's mostly limited to "draw a card". Those Cycling cards that have an additional effect when Cycled pay for it with increased Cycling costs, more than the effect would get allone if it was a Channel ability.

Spirits have Channel, which can be incorporated into spiritcraft.

This kills Teferi at instant-speed. I would say that that tid-bit alone, due to Teferi's high status in the game, makes this card good and playable.

Furthermore, 'playing a card', especially removal, without technically casting a spell can really come in handy sometimes.

Grim Lavamancer

@A3Kitsune
I think he means to compare this to Gempalm Incinerator for a goblin deck. Though it is by no means strictly better in any way, it's pound for pound more powerful.

Hmm... I've recently been on the hunt for creatures that double as makeshift instants and sorceries. Little did I expect to find the Ghost-lit cycle back in Kamigawa as well as the channel mechanic. I simply adore the design for these cards, tattered cloaks, Master Splicer-esk hats and... Well... Lanterns. Oh how I love lanterns.

Right, the card itself. Raider's the one I find most compelling. For a creature heavy deck, removal tends to be light. So, 3 mana to ping things for 2 or 4 mana to just flame slash something. It's at least worth a look.