The only major rule change that I can think of that ever happened in the current era** (other than banlist changes) was the Tuck rule, and at the time it was extremely divisive. I know a number of people who quit playing for a long time over it, and fundamentally that rule changes decks significantly less than life totals.
The previous life total change is really not one that I would consider to have been during the history of EDH. It happened over 10 years ago when the game was basically a novelty with no established metagame. The previous life change happened before the banning of:
Also note that at this time exiling generals removed them permanently (that rule changed in 2009)
At the time that the Tuck change happened that allowed replacement for into the library effects, there was a *ton* of doom and gloom. And this is a way bigger change than that.
Pretending it's impossible that it has serious consequences is what I find ludicrous.
** What I consider a very minor change also happened - the allowing people to make mana of other colors. But that's nowhere near the level of even tuck, much less life total changing.
I'm just not seeing how this type of change would destroy EDH. If it was horrible enough to ruin EDH, you don't presume that they'd reverse the change?
That doesn't mean they should just "do it just because." But just saying', having to walk back a change is tough to do- for your ego. But it's as easy as the next rules bulletin.
The rules committee has done a pretty good job. I'm for lowering starting life totals, but okay if it stays at 40.
The previous life total change is really not one that I would consider to have been during the history of EDH. It happened over 10 years ago when the game was basically a novelty with no established metagame. The previous life change happened before the banning of:
Also note that at this time exiling generals removed them permanently
At the time that the Tuck change happened that allowed replacement for into the library effects, there was a *ton* of doom and gloom. And this is a way bigger change than that.
Pretending it's impossible that it has serious consequences is what I find ludicrous.
** What I consider a very minor change also happened - the allowing people to make mana of other colors. But that's nowhere near the level of even tuck, much less life total changing.
UW Ephara Hatebears [Primer], GB Gitrog Lands, BRU Inalla Combo-Control, URG Maelstrom Wanderer Landfall
That doesn't mean they should just "do it just because." But just saying', having to walk back a change is tough to do- for your ego. But it's as easy as the next rules bulletin.
The rules committee has done a pretty good job. I'm for lowering starting life totals, but okay if it stays at 40.
A scenario that I could envision is one where another format takes over slowly over time because the speed change makes it preferable.
This kind of thing happens so slowly it can reach critical mass before it becomes obvious it's even happening.
And again I don't pretend it's that likely. 1-9% is a small risk. But imho it's an order of magnitude more likely than simple bans.
UW Ephara Hatebears [Primer], GB Gitrog Lands, BRU Inalla Combo-Control, URG Maelstrom Wanderer Landfall