So this variant format would be a non rotating format that's card pool starts at Return to Ravnica all the way through to present. It works the same as modern, but instead of the sets starting at Kamigawa you start at RTR.
Why have this format start at RTR? Because that was the first set most recently to have low to medium power cards in it.
Why even have another format like modern, but having a smaller card pool? Because modern imo is overpriced, to fast of a format, and it allows the cards in the sets in this format to see some new life (RTR, Theros, Khans).
By taking a bunch of low power sets like those post RTR you get a bunch of fun deck possibilities while still being able to make some pretty good decks. You would also be able to get back to the core cards that standard hasn't been printing (ie: llanowar elf, 2 drop counters, good instant speed burn). There is the allure of going back and playing your favorite deck from those sets, but being able to buff it with cards that were never around in that cards life in standard, and it wasn't ever good enough to be successful in modern. This format would be a way for people to return to those sets, and find the missing puzzle piece to a card that never got its time in the limelight.
I think to start something like Frontier they should have a bigger card pool. Starting from Khans and up is too small. I tried brainstorming some decks, but it just feels like standard.
@ OP - personally I love your idea. The RTR and up format would be powerful yet distinctly different from modern
I think when Modern was first introduced, or thereafter, the question was whether it would be "Legacy Lite" or "Big Standard." I think now that question has been answered and Modern's power level essentially leans much more towards Legacy than Standard. Wizards has developed a design framework beginning with New World Order and continuing through 5 mana wraths that is heavily bent around Modern. Frontier, and formats like them, are an attempt to establish a non-rotating format that embraces the balance WotC's design framework strives to achieve. Basically, where would Modern need to start if it was "Big Standard."
The price barrier that prevents players from getting into modern is getting a little ridiculous. When the format was first born I was immediately interested because the card pool spans basically my whole mtg career. But when the lands alone (which even Richard Garfield himself declared Lands a design mistake) cost hundreds of dollars to even begin to build a competitive deck, that puts a big scarecrow up. And it's not like Wotc makes any money from the secondary market.
I think in order to keep modern alive they should be more aggressive with the reprints or maybe do a Modern Masters every year.
Back on topic - I tried brainstorming a list for this post-RTR format.
@ OP - personally I love your idea. The RTR and up format would be powerful yet distinctly different from modern
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I think in order to keep modern alive they should be more aggressive with the reprints or maybe do a Modern Masters every year.
Back on topic - I tried brainstorming a list for this post-RTR format.
4 Deathrite Shaman
4 Grim Flayer
3 Goblin Dark-Dwellers
2 Tasigur, the Golden Fang
1 Hooting Mandrills
Spells (22):
4 Grapple with the Past
4 Sinister Concoction
4 Thoughtseize
2 Abrupt Decay
2 Fatal Push
3 Kolaghan's Command
3 Liliana, the Last Hope
4 Blooming Marsh
4 Wooded foothills
4 Bloodstained Mire
1 Overgrown tomb
2 Blood Crypt
2 Stomping ground
2 Temple of Malady
2 Swamp
2 Forest
1 Mountain
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